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As a market leader in the crane industry with a national footprint, Boom Logistics ensures a modernised fleet to best meet its clients’ operational and safety requirements. Boom is heavily invested in new technologies and works with the crane manufacturers during the research, design and developments of new models.
Boom Logistics’ Queensland operations recently took delivery of a Grove GMK5150XL for deployment on projects and maintenance work on mine sites. With 68m of main boom, a small footprint, low ground bearing capacity and its ability to travel with counterweight has made this model the perfect crane for these works.
Another advantage of this model is being able travel on Queensland roads with the main boom over the front eliminating the requirement of a dolly traditionally needed with a crane of this capacity.
Recently, Boom Logistics won a number of projects that required quick mobilisation. After extensive internal planning, the team at Boom worked with the Grove team to look at relocating orders, availability of cancelled orders, and different crane capacities to suit the work.
Normally, Boom’s leadership team works closely together, forecasting national asset requirements 12 – 36 months in advance. A strategic review process is conducted each quarter with updates on where the markets will be. Boom has secured a number of large projects and maintenance contracts over the past 24 months, allowing the immediate deployment of new assets to conduct these works.
In the past 12 months Boom has received 3 x GMK5250XL and 2 x GMK5150XL cranes. These are currently working across sites in Qld, WA and Victoria.
According to Grove, the GMK5150XL crane’s taxi charts are “outstanding”,
delivering easier roadability as well as transport savings. The crane possesses a 68.7m, seven-section main boom, and the option to include a 17.8m swingaway jib extension, an eight-metre boom extension, and it is powered by a EUROMOT 5 Mercedes-Benz engine. The crane can carry a total of 44.5 tonnes of counterweight, falling under a 12-tonne per axle limit with 10.2 tonnes of counterweight.
The Grove GMK5250XL-1 is one of the most powerful and versatile five-axle cranes on the market.
The 250-tonne capacity all terrain features 78.5m of main boom and boasts the quickest setup time in its class. The cab is tiltable to approximately 20 degrees and offers a commanding view of the jobsite.
Both cranes are supported by Grove Connect, the digital platform which enables remote monitoring through an app-based system providing owners and operators with the ability to view real-time crane information. The versatile platform advances fleet management, boosts sustainability, streamlines service and maintenance for users, and improves connectivity to cranes with the easy-to-use platform working across smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
The GMK5250XL-1 all-terrain crane will also be quick and simple to set up, thanks to the self-rigging auxiliary hoist and CCS (Crane Control System) with jog-dial, boom configurator mode and MAXbase variable outrigger positioning. Additionally, the unique Grove MegaTrak independent suspension with all-wheel steering, meanwhile, will make it easy and comfortable to manoeuvre.
Boom Logistics operates a mixed fleet including Groves. Ben Pieyre, Boom’s CEO, highlights the reasons why the business continues to invest in the Grove brand.
“We have seen a number of improvements to design and operation of Grove models in recent times. Positives include the availability of off the shelf customisations (dual part rooster sheave, panel jib), the interchangeable components of ancillary items such as flys, hooks and winches, and configuration of the counterweight blocks allows simple planning for transport trailer compliance.
“Our operators find the Groves very safe and easy to use. The operators have the ability to use the computer from the operating position and there is strong uniformity with the all terrain models from 60t – 300t.,” said Ben.
“The sales team across the country are very knowledgeable of the Grove product and transparent with timelines from point of order to hand over delivery. With much of our work in remote areas of Australia the Groves have been very reliable in harsh conditions. The new models have seen reduced maintenance requirements and down time,” he said.
Boom Logistics continues to liaise with Grove on new technologies and looks forward to the first GMK5150 hybrid being available in 2025. This model will allow charge through plug in, gravity moments or diesel engine.
Grove has a large stock of parts available locally in Australia and Boom has found minimal requirements for parts to be shipped from Europe or USA, minimising fleet downtime. One of Grove’s advantages is the set-up of remote workshops in Australia such as WATM’s Newman workshop to support Pilbara operations. For urgent breakdowns Boom Logistics has had great support with technicians around the country being flown out the next day after a request has been made.