Grove GSK55 mobile crane innovation

A new type of trailer mounted mobile telescopic crane will be launched by Manitowoc in April.

The Grove GSK55 is the upper works from a 55 tonne capacity Grove GMK3055 all terrain mounted on a road trailer hauled by a standard commercial tractor unit. It is described by the manufacturer as combining the lift ability of Grove all terrain cranes with the flexibility and mobility of a standard on-road truck.

Michael Preikschas, Manitowoc senior product manager, said it offers advantages in lifting and transport, "The GSK is a more affordable option for our customers that want Grove all terrain performance from their cranes but do not necessarily need the off-road ability that the GMK range offers."

Like the Grove GMK3055 the GSK55 has a 43 m boom and optional 8.7/15 m swingaway jib giving a maximum tip height of 60 m.

The specially built three axle trailer has a 93 kW Iveco engine to power all the crane functions, including the outriggers. A standard commercial tractor unit of any make can haul the crane. It can be left or right hand drive and chosen to suit any local market or regulatory conditions. With two axles on the tractor and three on the trailer, loading does not exceed 9 tonnes on any axle when the crane is travelling with the maximum 11.6 tonnes (including the maximum optional 4 tonnes) of counterweight.

A small turning circle is another feature and an example of the crane design's emphasis on flexibility. "The GSK55 can travel as fast as the tractor that the customer attaches to it. We think it will be popular with rental companies and also on locations such as refineries where GMKs are regularly used in the same position and rarely moved," Preikschas explained.