The basis for the ÖBB snow ploughs were discarded frames and axles of the widely used steam locomotive series 52. The Krauss-Helmholtz truck with leading axle and 1st coupled axle as well as the fourth and fifth coupled axles were re-used with the locomotive frame. All axles still had the original oil-lubricated plain bearings, which caused increasing problems (running hot) and high maintenance costs. The workshop at Knittelfeld, where the snow ploughs are serviced, knew of the successful conversion of the 52 8055, where it was possible to fit the roller bearings into the existing axle bearing cut-outs. Since the roller bearings require more radial space than plain bearings, new frames are normally necessary for conversions to roller-bearing.