|
contents | technologies | |||||||||
| New Grove GSK55 gets to work in Germany  The GSK55, a distinctive new mobile crane from Manitowoc's Grove brand, has been working well for first customer Sönke Jordt. One of the most recent jobs for the new crane was the installation of several structural components at a EUROline Logistik factory addition in Gross Parin, north Germany. For this job, the crane was on site for two days placing a variety of frame, wall and roof units. Loads were as heavy as 3 t, and the crane positioned the components at radii between 20 m and 22 m. Hartmut Lehn, operator for the GSK 55 at Sönke Jordt, said he's noticed several noteworthy features on the crane, in addition to its ease of maneuver and travel. "The first thing you notice about the crane is how easy maneuverability is," he said. "But I've noticed several other user-friendly features. For a start, the engine is very quiet, so it's easy to communicate with other people. Plus, you're not seated as high up as you would be in a standard all-terrain crane, so again it's easier to communicate with signalmen, and it gives better access." The Grove GSK55 combines the upperworks of a Grove GMK3055 all-terrain crane with a specially-designed truck chassis that acts as a trailer. The truck chassis on the GSK55 has its own 104 kW engine to provide full power to all crane functions. It has a standard design so it does not need to be married to any particular brand of tractor. This is particularly useful for companies, such as Sönke Jordt, that operate fleets of trucks. With two axles on the tractor and three on the trailer, the crane does not exceed 9 t on any single axle when traveling with 11.6 t of counterweight. Gross vehicle weight is under 41.8 t, and the load per axle is well below the 12 t maximum required in many markets. In addition to flexibility travelling to the job site, the crane is also easy to maneuver once it arrives on site. With a turning circle of 3.5 m over the rear and 8 m over the jib, it offers the best figures in its class. This means that even though the crane has two vehicles, users can position it in the tightest locations. Michael Preikschas, Manitowoc's senior product manager for all-terrain cranes, said the GSK55 highlighted the company's commitment to innovation."The GSK55 is an affordable option for customers that want all-terrain crane lift performance, but do not necessarily need the off-road capability those cranes offer," he said. "It's another great example of Manitowoc innovation producing cranes that meet customer needs." Like the GMK3055, the GSK55 has a maximum capacity of 55 t and a 43 m main boom. An optional 8.7 m/15 m swingaway jib is available, giving a maximum tip height of 60 m. The ability to use any tractor also means that national requirements for left-hand drive or right-hand drive vehicles can be accommodated easily. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Construction News :: home page |