When Atlas extended its product range in 1969, the AB 2002 was introtuced as the biggest Atlas excavator at that time, weighing 25 tonnes (55,100 lb). It was powered by a 164 hp diesel engine with a V block.

Two things of the front shovel version are remarkable, compared to similar machines: First, the form of the boom and stick, since obviously, the basic boom element of the excavator version was used without changes. And second the tilting bucket while bottom dump buckets are more commonly used.