The HLR 73 and 74 were three-axle shunting locomotives which were built to replace the last steam locomotives in this task. They were related to the type 82, but had an increased output of 550 kW (750 hp) instead of 475 kW (650 hp). Production of the HLR 73, originally designated type 273, started in 1965 at La Brugeoise et Nivelles and Ateliers Belges Réunis. 35 had been built by 1966, a second batch of 40 followed in 1973 and 1974 and a third batch of 20 followed in 1977. In contrast to the Cockerill diesel engine of the HLR 73, the ten HLR 74 built in 1977 had an ABC engine of the same power.

Most locomotives of these two types were withdrawn from service with the SNCB between 2002 and 2010 and in 2013, only six were left. But only some were scrapped and most were sold to private owners. Eight of them came to the Netherlands, they were sold to Rotterdam Rail Feeding (RRF) in 2008 and 2009. RRF used them until 2019. Apart from the locomotives which are still being used by private operators, some are being preserved, most notably by the association called Toerisme en Spoorpatrimonium (TSP).