After reviewing the scans here is my response. I am sure orthers can add to it, but it is my analysis of the pictures of the Bergepanzer and Bergepanther. It is worth noting that there was also a Bergetiger, two kits of which I have yet to complete!
OK, the huge "recovery anchor" looks like an accessory piece. Note the wheels on it. It was not really part of the Bergepanzer, but a towable unit that was used as an anchor for the vehicle. The Bergepanzer was based on the Panzer III, not the Panther chassis. It was much smaller and lighter and therefore probably required such an accessory to anchor it. The scans you sent do not indicate the power of the winch, but since it was used for smaller tanks, I would guess less than the 40 ton one on the Bergepanther. This vehicle was probably used for armor of smaller size than the Panzer IV or Panther. The Bergepanther had an integral spade (much like the US armor recovery vehicles) that was used to anchor it. It had a 40 ton winch, which was probably, with the help of block and tackle and usually some help from the stuck vehicle, enough to pull a 40+ tank out. It also had a "jib" or a-frame crane that could be erected when working on tanks, changing engines, etc., while using the winch for power. You can see parts of this on plate 426. Note that the winch was at the rear, as was the spade.
Recovery vehicles are unique but indispensable parts of any armor formation. The M-88A1 and new A2 are great vehicles I had the pleasure (or in many cases, unfortunately) to work with. They are retrievers, cranes, rescue vehicles in a pinch and tow trucks all on one. They also carry a mechanic or two, spare parts and are the heart of any tank company maintenance section. The US also had (has?) a lighter version based on the same chassis as the M109 howitzer (I think), that services howitzers, APC's and the like. Armored vehicles tend to get stuck, break or throw a track and in combat, become casualties and the recovery vehicle in the cavalry that comes riding to the rescue.