Automatische Übersetzung. Originaltext in: EN - Original anzeigen Between 1991 and 1994, the Österreichischen Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) acquire 36 retired locomotives from the Deutsche Bundesbahn, specifically from the Class 211, to address a shortage of diesel locomotives caused by the introduction of the new timetable in 1991. Out of these, two units are used for spare parts. The remaining 34 locomotives undergo major overhauls and modifications, which include the installation of new Caterpillar 3512 engines, the replacement of steam heating systems with water supply containers, the addition of second compressor units, and the outfitting with Webasto heaters and cooling water preheating systems. These modified locomotives are reclassified as series 2048 001 to 034.

The locomotives primarily operate in freight train service, particularly on secondary lines. Their initially planned operational lifespan of around five years is significantly exceeded, with the last three units being withdrawn from service on October 1st, 2003. The majority of these locomotives are replaced by Class 2070 diesel locomotives. All units are subsequently sold, predominantly to foreign buyers in countries such as Italy and France, with five units being transferred to the Salzburger Lokalbahn under the designations V 83 to V 87, and one unit, 2048.024, being acquired by the Steiermärkischen Landesbahnen. Another locomotive is utilized by the Swietelsky construction company for construction trains.