Manitowoc delivers all terrain cranes to U.S. Army

In 2015 Manitowoc Grove won a US$192 million contract to supply all terrain cranes to the U.S. Army. The Grove GMK4060HC (HC for heavy crane) is engineered for military use and has features to make it ready for a wide range of terrains and activities. The U.S. Army cranes are being sent out from the Shady Grove, Pennsylvania, USA, Manitowoc facility to U.S. Army missions around the world.

“These are very versatile cranes that will enable the Army to perform the lifts it needs for a wide variety of applications,” said Darryl Mellott, director of government marketing at Manitowoc. “These tough, durable cranes reflect what it means to be ‘Army Strong,’ and we’re proud to support our military, no matter where the battle is.”

The 60 US ton (54 tonne) capacity, four-axle cranes have the Megaform boom. The U.S. Army requirements include the ability to ford water up to 48 inches (1.2 metres) and to operate in harsh conditions. Another part of the specification was that the cranes be painted with Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings (CARC) against nuclear and chemical attacks. Using CARC means the paint won’t deteriorate under the same conditions as standard finishes.

The military also asked that the cranes accept armoured cabs. Military specification lighting allows operation in a blackout when using night vision technology.