The DRG's standard locomotive program called for the Class 86 for mixed service on branch lines. With an output of 1030 hp and a top speed of 70 km/h with an axle load of only 15.6 t, the 86 replaced many series that dated back to the state railway era. From the factory, 86 293-296 and all other locomotives from locomotive number 86 336 onwards were equipped with Krauss-Helmholtz frames for the leading and trailing axles, which meant that the maximum speed could be increased to 80 km/h. By 1943, 774 locomotives had been built. Since speeds of up to 60 km/h were common on branch lines until the early 1970s, meaning that the locomotives were rarely pushed to their limits, they were extremely reliable on both German state railways. It wasn't until 1974 that the DB parked its last 86. The DR locomotives were actually parked until 1976, but due to the oil shortage in the GDR, three of them were repeatedly used on regular trains until 1988.

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