Grove GTK in iron

The distinctive new Grove GTK1100 appeared in the iron for the first time last month, shortly before its dispatch to TheMunich distinctivefor the Bauma exhibition. A group new Grove GTK1100of customers were given a demonstration in mid-March. At the event customers learned that a new extended load chart for the crane is available and that a capacity enhancing attachment called Megalift 1500 can be ordered as an option.

The crane extended to its full 140 m working height at the Wilhelmshaven event. It reaches this height by extending a vertical telescopic tower of 76.5 m on top of which sits a five-section 60 m telescopic boom. This upper works is from 450 tonne capacity GMK7450 all terrain crane.

Grove is drawing attention to the transportation of the GTK1100, which travels on either four or five trailers depending on local regulations. This saves costs and, says Manitowoc, reduces environmental impact.

On its new test pad at Wilhelmshaven (specially built for the GTK), the crane demonstrated its erection process in full. The primary carrier (based around a standard semi-trailer) was the first component to move into position. Using a support crane (200 tonne all terrain crane), the outriggers attach to the centre unit before being hydraulically bolted.

When all four outriggers are in place the upper works is attached, again with hydraulic bolting, to the tower using the support crane. After some adjustments and more assembly work the vertical tower is extended. The fully erect tower is hydraulically bolted to the centre unit. Next, the spreaders are attached at the top of the tower and then secured to the outriggers at ground level. This design is to “give the GTK its unique lifting capabilities channelling lift forces down through the crane.”

After about six hours of assembly, the crane is ready to use. The operator works from a mobile operating station connected to any of the outrigger heads.

In addition to highlighting ease of transport to the job site, Manitowoc also claims the crane is easier to transport when on site than alternative cranes. Three transport options are available on site. For simple re-positioning the GTK moves with the tower retracted and the boom extended. The ground supports retract and the lower works lifts hydraulically to allow movement.

The second transportation option is for moving to a completely new erection site. for this the tower retracts and the spreaders are dismantled. The tower then returns to its horizontal position and the first section of boom is extended to 88% to achieve the optimum centre of gravity. Releasing the outriggers and hydraulically hoisting the lower works of the primary carrier gives sufficient ground clearance to transport the crane to the next site.

The third transport option is for unstable ground conditions or a congested job site. The tower retracts and the spreaders are dismantled. To reduce the transport width to 3 m, the outriggers are removed. Weight is also significantly reduced and the GTK1100 can move more quickly and efficiently in tight spaces.

Customers at the Wilhelmshaven event were impressed with what they saw at the open days. If you are at the Bauma exhibition take a look for yourself.