Grove Launches Long-Boom, Four-Axle AT

Manitowoc Crane Group (MCG) is now offering a long-boom version of the new Grove GMK4100 (GMK4115 in the United States) all-terrain (AT) crane launched at Intermat 2006 in Paris earlier this year. With deliveries beginning in December 2006, the GMK4100-L (GMK4115-L in the United States) incorporates the same features as the GMK4100, but also offers an impressive 197-ft, seven-section main boom that telescopes to maximum reach in less than nine minutes.

The 115-ton (U.S.) GMK4100-L has a maximum tip height of 272 ft, thanks to a 33- to 56-ft bi-fold hydraulic luffing swingaway jib, which is able to accommodate a 16-ft insert. The additional reach makes the GMK4100-L ideal for tower crane erection and disassembly • in particular Potain top-slewing models.

Features shared with the standard GMK4100 include a 390-hp Mercedes Benz carrier engine, a 147.5-hp direct fuel injection superstructure engine, and up to 28.8 tons of counterweight. The crane is able to avoid major roading restrictions in many countries around the world by traveling below 12 tons per axle, when configured with counterweight of 6.9 tons and a 22-ton hook block on 16.00 tires.

“The customer voice remains the driving force behind product design,” said Gerhard Kaupert, director of engineering for Grove's all-terrain cranes. “That is why we created a four-axle model with extra reach, as our customers look for increasingly quicker ways to erect Potain tower cranes. The investments made in research and development for the GMK4100-L have been significant, and we anticipate that the GMK4100-L will generate the same strong levels of interest as the standard model. ”

The GMK4100-L will also feature Grove's new carrier cab, also unveiled at Intermat. Its innovative and ergonomic features aim to reduce operator fatigue and optimize productivity. The cab incorporates Grove's ECOS electronic control system with a control panel offering greater display visibility so operators may clearly monitor oil and water temperature, engine speed, fuel, battery levels, etc. There is also a Tempomat control unit, which enables users to alternate between brake and accelerate functions on the same pedal.