Grove’s New GMK5200-1 Makes Its UK Debut With Liverpool’s John Sutch Cranes

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Crane hire company and contract lifter John Sutch Cranes has added a new Grove GMK5200-1 all-terrain model to its fleet of 36. (Photo courtesy of Manitowoc.)

The new 240-ton (200-metric-ton) GMK5200-1 all-terrain crane from Grove has landed on the shores of the UK—specifically in Liverpool, where resides mobile crane hire and contract lifting specialist John Sutch Cranes. The compact, versatile crane has already been put to work, having lifted tanks and pipework at a local chemical plant in early July.

A Familiar Face

“We felt confident placing an order for the GMK5200-1 because we already have a GMK5250L, which has been very successful for us,” says owner John Sutch. “The GMK5200-1 looks very similar to the GMK5250L and is just as driver-friendly and compact, but it’s a bit smaller.”

The GMK5200-1 also uses the same counterweight slabs as the GMK5250L and certain other Grove cranes. “It runs with an interchangeable ballast and can go up and down the range, which means it’s more versatile for our fleet,” Sutch says. “We will be able to use it on most 110-, 143-, and 220-ton [100-, 130-, and 200-mt] capacity jobs.”

Sutch plans to use the new GMK5200-1 to assemble small tower cranes and perform other tasks.

The Grove GMK5200-1

The GMK5200-1 is a five-axle crane with a 132,280-pound (60-mt) gross vehicle weight. It can be set up to taxi to a job site, and it features a self-rigging auxiliary hoist so it doesn’t require an assist crane for its setup.

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The GMK5200-1’s compactness and ability to exchange counterweights with other Grove cranes in Sutch’s fleet were key selling points in the decision to buy. (Photo courtesy of Manitowoc.)

The new Grove’s 210-foot (64-meter), six-section boom can be extended by 26-ft (8-m) inserts and an optional 59-ft (18-m) swingaway jib for a total maximum tip height of 331.4 ft (101 m). Its five outrigger positions give it flexibility in its footprint on restricted work sites.

As expected, the new GMK5200-1 uses the popular VIAB turbo retarder clutch, which supplies the crane with wear-free starting, maneuvering, and braking as needed. The all-in-one turbo coupling and integrated retarder system also gives the crane a smooth creeping capability while keeping the clutch from overheating. The all-wheel-steer crane enjoys ground clearance of nearly 2 feet (600 millimeters) while keeping all wheels firmly planted on the ground thanks to its Megatrak independent suspension.

“We have been very impressed by the modern design and interchangeable ballast so far and expect the GMK5200-1 to be another very busy and successful crane for us,” says Sutch.

Source: Manitowoc