Borger Crane Hire and Rigging has continued the process of renewing its fleet with an order for six Grove all terrain cranes, most recently two GMK 6450-1s and two GMK5150XLs, following a couple of recent GMK 6300L-1s. Borger Crane Hire’s Chief Financial Officer, Shawn Borger discusses the long-term relationship the business has had with the Grove brand.
“We have enjoyed a working relationship with the Grove brand, the cranes and the team that supports them, over a very long period, and all have performed well for our fleet,” Shawn said. “We were operating two older Grove GMK 6300s which have been great cranes for us, one was a 2005 model and the other 2007.
“After so many years of service, we decided it was time to upgrade the cranes, so we sat down with John Stewart and Neil Hollingshead and examined what we had in the fleet. We’ve been successfully running six-axle 400 tonnes Groves, and with the new two Grove GMK 6450-1s also running on six axles, we could see that this was the way to go.
“We negotiated with John and Neil, and they were very fair with their trade-in values, so we traded in the GMK 6300s. We also traded in a 130 tonne Grove and a few other cranes which we’d had great service from, and took delivery of the two GMK 6450-1s, and two GMK 5150XLs which brings our 150 tonne Grove fleet to 11 with our first two ‘XL” models.”
The GMK6450-1 is the strongest heavy-duty six axle crane on the market with a self-rigging MegaWingLift™ (rigging time less than 20 minutes). Able to take on jobs that would usually require a seven- or eight-axle model, this 450 tonne all terrain crane features an improved hydraulic system with faster flow to provide quicker operating speeds and smoother movements. As an upgrade to the GMK6400-1, its implementation of Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS) ensures that performance is optimised and operation can be boosted to a whole new level. Furthermore, with the addition of MAXbase™ variable outrigger positioning, capacities on the main boom are increased.
The Grove GMK6300L-1 is the definition of a 300 tonnes all terrain. With it’s long and strong 80 metre boom it continues the success story of the GMK6300L and offers even better lifting capacities. The driveline with the Mercedes engine and Allison fully automatic transmission is reliable and powerful. The interchangeable counterweights can be used for the GMK5180-1, GMK5200-1, GMK5250L-1 and GMK5250XL-1.
Grove GMK5150XL
The Grove GMK5150XL all terrain crane provides increased capacity and a boom length that surpasses cranes in the 160-200 tonne class. This model redefines the five-axle, 150 tonne class by offering almost 69 metres of main boom.
At 68.7 metres it can handle 8.1 tonne, at 66 metres it lifts 9.4 tonne and at approximately 60 metres it lifts 12.7 tonne. These load charts are unmatched in the market. The GMK5150XL crane’s taxi charts are also best in class, ensuring easy roadability and transport savings. In addition, interchangeable counterweight slabs with the GMK5130L, and all Grove 150 tonne cranes simplify logistics and handling.
During Conexpo, held 3-7 March in Las Vegas, Shawn and his touring party from Borger Crane Hire visited the Manitowoc stand and were impressed with the launch of the Grove GMK8700.
“As always, Manitowoc put on a great display during Conexpo with the new Grove GMK8700 being the star of the show. It is certainly a very impressive crane and we’ll be having a close look at this crane over the next 12 months or so.”
The Grove GMK8700 has a lifting capacity of 700 tonnes and sits on an eight-axle carrier. It expands the Grove all terrain range, which now runs from 50 to 700 tonne, giving owners more options for heavy lifting across infrastructure, industrial and energy projects.
The crane has been developed using Manitowoc’s Voice of the Customer process, with a focus on versatility and flexibility on site. Owners can choose between two boom options: a 54 metre or an 80 metre. Both use the Megaform design with interchangeable telescopic sections, allowing crews to switch configurations depending on project needs.
Transport was a key part of the design. Depending on local regulations, the GMK8700 can travel with the boom carried over the front or mounted on a dolly behind the crane. The carrier includes the MegaDrive system for road travel and manoeuvrability, with five driven axles and two axle groupings designed for road use or jobsite mobility. Other transport features include MEGATRAK suspension, a removable rear outrigger box and an adaptive electronic braking system.
