M578 was based on the hull of the M107 175mm self-propelled gun and M110 8" self-propelled howitzer. The hydraulic lock-out cylinders in the suspension lent themselves well to recovery work as well as providing a stable firing platform for the artillery pieces. A rear-mounted spade provided further stabilization during recovery operations. An armored cab fitted with a crane boom was placed at the rear of the hull, replacing the ordnance found on the M107 and M110. The cab could rotate 360°, and a 30,000lb (14,000kg) capacity winch was run through a boom on the cab. Another winch, 60,000lb (27,000kg) capacity, was mounted on the front of the cab. Access to the cab was through a door on each side and by double doors in the rear, and the crane operator and rigger both had vision cupolas in the cab roof.