The Bergepanzer III was based on the chassis of the Panzer III which used the Maybach HL 120 TRM engine that was capable of propelling the vehicle at speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour. Having no turret, the Bergepanzer had a crew of three and was fitted with a 1,000 kilogram crane protected by a wooden superstructure as well as a rear shovel to stabilize the vehicle while recovering heavier vehicles. For communication with the Tiger I units that the bergepanzer was meant to follow, the vehicle was fitted with a FuG 5 radio. The vehicle had an operational range of 200 kilometers and used a 6 speed forward, 1 speed reverse transmission.