The class 43 was designed in the twenties as a heavy two-cylinder freight locomotive that was to be tested against the three-cylinder class 44. The first ten were delivered in 1927 with drivers of 1,400 mm, just like their sisters. The cylinders had a diameter of 720 mm and a stroke of 660 mm. These locomotives were approved for 70 km/h and delivered an output of 1,880 hp. 

As first tests showed good performances, 25 more were built in 1928. 43 013 hauled a train of 5,000 tonnes, setting a record for a single German steam locomotive that still stands today. Compared to the 44, the 43 was found to have a lower consumption at lower power demand. But the three-cylinder had better running characteristics at speed and was approved for 80 km/h. When mass production of freight locomotives was started in the thirties, the class 44 was chosen as the heavy variant.

After World War II, all 35 locomotives of the class 43 came to the East German Reichsbahn as they had been stationed at Erfurt. The Reichsbahn modernized them in 1960 and stressed them to their limits. As this led to frequent damage to the frames, most were withdrawn by the end of this decade. Only 43 001 was preserved and is now owned by the Verkehrsmuseum Dresden. Today it is located at Chemnitz-Hilbersdorf.