Manitowoc Crane Group  

The Grove GMK6300L, which Manitowoc is introducing at bauma 2010, combines some of the strongest lift capabilities in its class with an extremely long 80 m boom.

The new crane’s design offers unprecedented ease of operation in a full range of applications including tower crane erection, placing auxiliary services (air conditioning units, elevator equipment, etc.) and performing chimney work as well as general lifting.

Michael Preikschas, senior regional product manager for all-terrain cranes in EMEA, said the new crane has several class-leading attributes that will benefit customers.

“The GMK6300L is a really strong lifter with significant advantages over other cranes with similar boom lengths,” he said. “It is designed for impressive picks on its main boom without the need to rig the jib or Mega Wing Lift. For example, with the boom extended to 74.8 m, it will lift 14.3 t, and with the full boom of 80 m, it lifts 12 t.”

Lifting capabilities on the 300 t capacity GMK6300L make it ideal for erecting tower cranes. As an example, the Potain MDT 308 has a 70 m boom that is erected in 14.3 t sections. The tower crane has a maximum height of 65 m that allows the GMK6300L to position the sections comfortably when working with its boom at 74.8 m.

The GMK6300L is also the only crane among its competitors to offer a fully automatic transmission with torque convertor for unmatched performance. The Allison transmission is a strong, reliable and cost-effective drive-train solution. Its capabilities are proven in the most arduous conditions, and the electronic controls allow it to adapt to its surroundings and provide self-diagnostics for easier maintenance. An integral retarder offers enhanced braking on hills and greater confidence for the operator when moving a heavy vehicle.

The Allison transmission and Grove’s Megatrak independent suspension system provide optimum travel for both on and off the road. The all-wheel steered GMK6300L has the latest steer-by-wire technology included on the fifth and sixth axles. Steer-by-wire uses fewer components making for better use of space and optimized steering angles, reducing tire wear.

Additional design features include a new cab for the carrier. It is similar to Grove’s four- and five-axle all-terrain cranes, but it has been adapted to fit the wider carrier of the six-axle crane. It can comfortably accommodate up to three crew members and has more ergonomic positioning of the instruments and controls. Visibility, heating, air conditioning, aerodynamics and noise reduction are also all improved.

There are five available outrigger positions, more than any other crane in this capacity class, giving ultimate flexibility, even in the narrowest of sites. As an additional feature, the suspension can be controlled from the outrigger control boxes on each side of the carrier for improved and faster rigging. Axle spacings are also favorable, with 3.2 m between the first pair of axles and 2.5 m between the second.

Maximum counterweight of 92.5 t is made up of two 10 t, five 9.5 t and two 9 t slabs, in addition to the 7 t base plate. The optional auxiliary hoist can be rigged together with the counterweight without the help of an auxiliary crane, improving efficiency. A Mercedes OM 926 LA provides power for the superstructure, and power for the carrier comes from a Mercedes OM 502 LA. Both comply with the latest requirements of Tier 4i and Euromot IIIB legislation. The OM 502 LA is an eight-cylinder engine that generates 405 kW, and the OM 926 LA is a six-cylinder engine that produces 210 kW.

Excellent reach is available on the crane with the 80 m, seven-section Twin-Lock boom that includes patented Megaform design for optimized rigidity and capacity. For further reach, a 37 m jib is available (this is 8 m more than the 29 m first announced when the crane was introduced in January). Maximum available length is 117 m and the crane can still lift an impressive 2 t at this height. A second jib is also offered, a heavy-duty jib with a capacity of 38 t, for superior lift capability at tall heights.

The GMK6300L will be branded the GMK6350L for sale in the U.S. where it will have a maximum capacity rating of 350 USt. Control comes from Grove’s well-established ECOS system and an EKS 5 with full graphic display is included for monitoring lift activities. CraneSTAR, Manitowoc’s telematics-based remote monitoring system, will also come with all new GMK6300L cranes.

Grove GMK6300L