Dr13 had a similar engine to the medium-weight Dv12, the Tampella manufactured MGO V16 BSHR / BHSR, but the Dr13 had two of them, each driving its own generator.

Dr13 fleet was initially operated in Eastern Finland on freight and passenger rail services, and stationed in Kouvola.

The class initially had a lot of teething problems affecting the battery, radiator and power train.

For instance, hoods had to be fitted in Finland to the air intakes and ventilation grilles on the roof to prevent snow from entering the engines.

Accordingly, careless driving could result in a bumpy ride on poor sections of track (hence the nickname of "Hyppyheikki" or "Jumping Heikki").

Also, nicknames "Hyppyheikki" (= "Jumping Heikki"), "Kymen Huru", "Marinella", “Myymäläauto” (="Mobile shop") and "Nakkiputka" (=Sausage kiosk) were used.