With the introduction of the Tank 87 (Leo2), it became necessary to adapt the support vehicles. Among other things, the tank was fitted with Urdan side armour from Israel, additional front armour from FMC (USA), a new engine, a new transmission, a fuel system with two external tanks, neon lights and a reinforced chassis, tanks, aerial launchers and a reinforced chassis. It was probably the most modern version of the M113 in the world, but it was still not an infantry fighting vehicle. A total of 382 M 113 (Spz 63/73) and Command vehicle Kdo Pz 63/73 were upgraded to the 63/89 version.

Compared to the normal M113 version, the Crane tank 63 also had a mounted 3-tonne crane and an enlarged roof hatch. It was assigned to the mechanised logistics units and enabled them to carry out repairs in the field.
A complete drive unit for an M113 was carried inside the tank.