The 1720 class were an evolution of the 1700 class. They operated throughout Queensland on branchline freight, suburban and mainline passenger services and on shunting duties.[1][2][3] Later they were modified for driver only operation receiving a larger windscreen and an air conditioning box along with the D symbol added to the end of the locomotive number to indicate driver only operation.
Some have been exported, although the majority as at January 2014 remain in service.[4] Unit 1741 was acquired for preservation by the Queensland Diesel Restoration Group in October 2016.[5]