Four demonstrator units were built in 1984 to showcase the new SD60. Numbered EMD-1 through EMD-4, the demonstrators were most often operated in a three-unit set (EMD-1, 2, & 4), with EMD-3 held in reserve. The EMDs were sold to several railroads, including C&NW, CR, CSX, KCS, NS, Soo, and UP. Eventually, the demonstrators were no longer needed and were sold to Conrail. EMD-3, however, was retained by EMD and outfitted with a new experimental radial truck. This new radial truck was designed to reduce wear and tear on rails as the central truck was able to more closely follow the path the rails took by means of more lateral motion. This new truck proved successful and radial trucks became standard on later models (SD70Ms, SD70Mac, SD75I, SD90Mac, etc.). EMD-3 operates today on BNSF as part of the Oakway lease fleet.