The new Grove GRT8120 from Manitowoc is the latest in the GRT line of rough-terrain cranes that have grown in popularity due to their reliability and versatility on job sites.
The new GRT8120 features the longest boom and strongest load charts in its class, along with a new compact carrier design with flat decking for improved manoeuvrability, serviceability and job site access. Combined, these features make the crane ideal for work in the petrochemical, construction and wind power industries, among others.
John Bair, product manager for rough-terrain cranes at Manitowoc, pointed out that the crane’s features were largely driven by market demand, reflecting ‘The Manitowoc Way’, which is Manitowoc’s operating system that focuses on a commitment to innovation and velocity that fulfills customers’ needs.
“Many of our customers wanted to fill a void in the 120 USt (120 t) class, and also increase their crane utilisation with easier transportability, greater reach and capacity, and improved access for serviceability,” said Mr Bair. “We were able to accomplish this through an all-new carrier design along with several other new features debuting on this crane. We’re happy to say that the 197-ft (60 m) boom length and strong load charts put this crane at the top of its class.”
Based largely off the success of the GRT8100, the new GRT8120 has a capacity of 120 t and a 60 m main boom with 80.8 m maximum height when equipped with the 17.6 m bi-fold swingaway extension that comes in either manual or hydraulically offsettable configurations.
Also new to the GRT8120 is the MAXbase asymmetrical outrigger system for ultimate versatility in job site setups. This feature, combined with the lightweight, compact carrier and long boom, make the crane ideal for congested job sites that require maximum reach.
A new, wider, full-vision cab with 20° tilt maximises operator comfort and visibility. From an operational perspective, the GRT8120 features the boom configurator mode that simplifies telescoping of the boom and provides on-board lift planning.
The new crane has a full LED lighting package with new side-mounted carrier work lights, and the design improves upon previous crane models with increased storage and enhanced accessibility for servicing. Combined with its compact dimensions and lightweight gross vehicle weight, the crane will have easy transport to job sites, need minimal job site preparation and provide exceptional manoeuvrability. On the job site, it has a 24.1 km/h travel speed with full counterweight.
“For the GRT8120 we were also able to add smart sensing outrigger cylinders in lieu of string pots that, along with nearly every component on the crane, were tested well past industry standards at our product verification centre to ensure reliability on the job site,” said Mr Bair. “We’ve also added a wireless, handheld rigging remote for quick and easy set up on site. And of course, this crane is outfitted with the CCS crane control system that boosts efficiency and reduces training time.”
Conexpo displays
The GRT8120 is one of the Grove cranes to be displayed at the upcoming Conexpo 2020 exhibition in Las Vegas. The other models will include the previously released GRT9165 rough-terrain crane, GHC140 telescoping crawler crane, TMS500-2 truck crane and a new, yet-to-be-announced model.
The GRT9165 offers the longest reach and highest capacity of any model in Grove’s rough-terrain lineup, and it has a host of features that will help companies increase efficiency while maintaining a low total cost of ownership. The GRT9165 is a 150-t-capacity crane that features a 62.5 m six-section, pinned boom. It has been designed for easy transport, with a compact overall height of 3.7 m.
In early 2019, Manitowoc launched its biggest Grove hydraulic crane (GHC) in North America, the GHC140. It features a 52.1 m six-section, pinned boom with a maximum capacity of 127 t.
Manitowoc will also showcase one of its more popular truck crane models at Conexpo, the Grove TMS500-2. This 36-t-capacity machine offers quick set-up and versatile taxi capabilities. It also provides two boom options – the first ranges from 8.8 to 29 m, with three quick-reeve Nylatron sheaves in its main boom nose; while the second option ranges from 9.8 to 31 m and has four quick-reeve Nylatron sheaves.
