 Apart from its ability to operate a heavy train unassisted, it was also found to be 5% more efficient in coal consumption per ton-mile than superheater-equipped A2 and Dd class locomotives, and 25% more efficient that A2 or Dd class locomotives with saturated steam boilers.By 1924 C class locomotives were operating on the Bendigo, North Eastern, and Wonthaggi railway lines, where full trainloads of bulk goods were available.By 1925, they were also operating grain trains from Ararat to Geelong via Maroona where they were able to haul 1200 ton trains unassisted, a 420-ton increase over the hauling capacity of an A2 class locomotive on the same route.