The power and speed of the Class 87 was also increased over that of the preceding Class 86: power output was increased from 3,600 to 5,000 hp to deal with the more demanding gradients on the northern half of the WCML, such as Shap Fell and Beattock Summit. The top speed was raised from to . The Class 87s were also fitted with multiple working equipment, which enabled locomotives to work with other members of the class, and some Class 86s, while controlled by one driver.