An initial batch of 20 units was delivered to KiwiRail in 2010-11, and 20 more arrived in 2013. A third tranche of eight locomotives was delivered in 2014.

However in February 2014, 40 locomotives were withdrawn from service after asbestos was discovered in a resin used for soundproofing the driver's cabs. With the locomotives still under warranty, CNR (now part of CRRC) launched a rectification programme and the fleet gradually returned to service from April 2014.

However, according to a report on Radio New Zealand on July 8, 24 of the locomotives already given the all-clear are still contaminated with asbestos. Documents obtained by the broadcaster showed that in April asbestos was discovered in gaskets used in the electrical and braking systems of locomotives from the first and second batches.