Originally designed to transport mining ores on Corellia, the Sandcrawler was later brought to Tatooine when the planet was first settled as a mining colony. However, the ore mined seemed to have unwanted metallurgic properties, so the mines were shut down and the Sandcrawlers discarded. The native Jawas reclaimed the vehicles and used them for scavenging purposes.

The front side of the transport consisted of a large ramp that opened to allow access to the large cargo hold. Many small hatches, located between the treads, also provided access to the behemoth's interior. An extendable magnetic suction tube was available for drawing ore, but was later used by the Jawas to suck droids and other scavenged equipment into the cargo bay.