Although intended for express passenger use, H220 was found to be particularly effective when used as a fast goods locomotive. It typically hauled five return trips a week between Melbourne and Wodonga, covering around  per week, and hauling loads of up to 820 tons (833 t) over the 1 in 50 gradients on that line. By comparison, the maximum loads between Wodonga and Melbourne of the C class 2-8-0 and X class 2-8-2 heavy goods locomotives were 555 and 650 tons respectively.
Although designed for express passenger service, H220 was found to be highly effective as a fast goods locomotive. It typically hauled five round trips per week between Melbourne and Wodoka, covering about 160 kilometers each week, and hauling loads up to 820 tons (833 t) over the 1 in 50 gradients on that line. In comparison, the maximum loads of the C class 2-8-0 and X class 2-8-2 heavy goods locomotives between Wodonga and Melbourne were 555 and 650 tons respectively.