In order to cover losses incurred during World War II, Deutsche Reichsbahn had some additional Kleinlokomotiven built in the early 1950s.

In 1956, LKM Babelsberg presented the new type V 10 B with mechanical gear and a 100 PS (74 kW) engine with wheels of 900 mm (35 in) diameter, based upon the concept of the Kö, but with a higher and closed cab for use on industrial railways and sidings.

A second, more powerful series was developed in 1966 with newly developed 220 PS (160 kW) engines of type 6 VD 18/15-1 SRW 1 (Manufacturer: Motorenwerk Roßlau; 6 cylinders, 19 L (4.2 imp gal; 5.0 US gal), 1510 min−1, 150 mm bore, 180 mm stroke) and a more robust power transmission of type GSU 20/4,5 with two torque converters.

The ends of the frame are strengthened to carry standard buffers and chain link couplers.

The engine (with electric starter) is connected to the hydraulic transmission by a torsionally flexible clutch and a short articulated drive shaft.

Maintenance was performed locally or in RAW Halle (Saale), industrial locomotives were mainly maintained in Tharandt.

Starting in 1992 and continued by DB AG, classes 311 and 312 were withdrawn from service, scrapped or sold.