W.O. Grubb purchases Grove GMK6400-1

From left to right: Bill Grubb, owner of W.O. Grubb Crane Rental, poses with Dean Spruill, regional operations manager; Doug Adkins, director of fleet operations; and Kris Becker, crane operator.

W.O. Grubb Crane Rental received a new Grove GMK6400-1 in December 2023 and immediately put the crane to work in high-profile jobs throughout Virginia. The 450-ton all-terrain crane has already played a crucial role in tasks such as removing lock gates at the Deep Creek Locks on the Intercoastal Waterway in Chesapeake. 

The GMK6400-1 is currently scheduled for another project involving the precise setting of two precast panelized builds at the James River Water Treatment Plant in Newport News. Additionally, W.O. Grubb’s Newport News branch anticipates a furnace relocation project at the Howmet Casting Facility in March. This project will require the GMK6400-1 with the main boom and MegaWingLift to lift 68,000 pounds through the facility’s roof.

“We were keen on embracing the newest technology and improved roadability without compromising on lifting performance,” said Bill Grubb, owner, W.O. Grubb. “This prompted us to upgrade from our reliable GMK6300L model to the GMK6400-1. With MegaWingLift and luffing capabilities, this marks our first investment in a brand new, large all-terrain crane tailored for the Portsmouth-Newport News market.”

The GMK6400-1 self-erecting MegaWingLift eliminates the need for an assist crane, streamlining operations and significantly influencing W.O. Grubb’s buying decision, the company added.