During the initial period of the New Order, the Fromm Gang utilized muscle droids. The Fromm Gang had historically depended on Annoo-dat Blue thugs to enforce their objectives. Tig Fromm, in an effort to modernize beyond his father's traditional approaches, became persuaded that droids represented the future for the Fromm Gang, and he started employing muscle droids to threaten anyone who opposed him. A notable weakness existed in the droids' design: their form prevented them from recovering if they were flipped onto their backs.
While racing in the Vaj Desert, speeder racers Thall Joben and Jord Dusat inadvertently stumbled upon Tig's secret base. Consequently, the gangster sent muscle droids to their speeder shop with orders to kidnap them. Although Thall had already departed, the droids managed to seize Jord. When Thall returned to the shop, Kea Moll informed him about Jord's abduction. Shortly after, more muscle droids ambushed them, having tampered with Thall's speeder to hinder his departure. Reacting swiftly, Kea and R2-D2 started up the White Witch, enabling the group to flee and simultaneously toppling the droids.
Following the Fromm Gang's downfall, the Great Heep seized one of these droids and compelled it to mine fuel ore for the Galactic Empire.