MCG Celebrates Latest All-Terrain Crane Introduction

Several hundred Manitowoc Crane Group customers, dealers, and staff turned out for the late September launch of the Grove GMK4115, the latest all-terrain crane from the Manitowoc Crane Group, at its European manufacturing headquarters in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. At the event, attendees were given the chance to see the new four-axle crane put through its paces.

Unveiled at Intermat earlier this year, the 115-ton GMK4115 offers a 170-foot six-section boom with MEGAFORM shaping for greater rigidity and TWIN-LOCK pinning system for a lighter design. A 33- to 56-foot bi-fold swingaway jib is available, while two additional 16-foot inserts further boost jib length. A maximum tip height of 269 feet is achievable with the jib attached, and the jib is able to hydraulically luff under load. The main boom has a telescoping time of less than 420 seconds, and the crane has a rating of 115 tons.

The carrier's drive is 8x6x8 as standard, which includes independent rear and crab steering, and is powered by a 390-hp Mercedes Benz engine. On the superstructure, power comes from a four-stroke, direct fuel injection Mercedes-Benz OM 904 LA diesel engine, which offers a power rating of 147.5 hp.

The GMK4100 can travel below 13.2 tons per axle when carrying 6.9 tons of counterweight, together with the bi-fold swingaway jib, a 17.6-ton hook block, and riding on 16.00 R25 tires. In other configurations, the crane can accommodate up to a maximum of 28.8 tons of counterweight.

One of the highlights of the GMK4115 is a new operator cab, which includes a panoramic windshield for improved visibility and rear-view heated mirrors with curved shaping. The instrument dials are fitted inside the dashboard, and the new cab also makes use of Grove's ECOS electronic control system. Carrier settings, such as suspension, differentials, steering and level can be adjusted using the ECOS panel, and operators can easily monitor oil and water temperature, engine speed, and fuel and battery levels using this system.

Michael Preikschas, global product manager for Grove's all-terrain cranes, said the new crane, complete with its new cab, was a testament to the continued engineering innovation at the company. “The customer voice remains the driving force behind product design,” Preikschas said. “We have listened hard to what our customers want, and the result is an industry-leading crane with a brand new design, both inside and out.”

In addition to the standard GMK4115, there is a long-boom version available, the GMK4115-L. While offering all of the same features as the standard model, this version includes a 197-foot seven-section main boom.