Cranes Combined recently took delivery of a new Grove GMK5250XL-1. The latest acquisition is part of the continual process of renewing the fleet, explains Cranes Combined Managing Director, Chris Kolodziej.
The various Tasmanian industry sectors serviced by Cranes Combined are busy in their operations.
“All industry sectors we service have been busy. The new Grove is a strategic purchase for us,” Chris says.
“We’ve been working on a long-term project which will see our 300t capacity Grove permanently on site for 12 months and we needed a similar capacity crane for the general hire work we have in the pipeline,” he says. “The Grove GMK5250XL-1 suited our requirements and complimented our fleet perfectly.”
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.
The Grove GMK5250XL-1 is 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 new GMK5250XL-1 all-terrain crane will also be quick and simple for Cranes Combined 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.
Chris says Cranes Combined run a mixed fleet.
“We run various brands in the fleet including Demags, Liebherrs, Tadano and Katos and we run several Groves with capacities starting at 55 tonnes through to 300 tonnes,” he says.
“A big factor in us looking favorably at the Grove product, is the fact that we have a Grove technician permanently based here in Tasmania,” he continues. “Danny Hall is excellent, he’s a credit to the Grove team, he has a really good work ethic and he’s very, very helpful.”
The GMK5250XL-1 has been busy from day one and is popular with the operators, according to Chris.
“It is a very impressive machine with lots of new technology and benefits for the operator – all the modern conveniences and advances. Our operator, who previously worked with the 300t Grove, was also really impressed. The GMK6300L was already a good machine but this one has some great added extras,” Chris says.
“The 250’s been very busy. It’s been out a lot has dovetailed nicely into our fleet. The operators have taken to the crane straight away. Because we have a number of Groves in the fleet, they are already very familiar with how they operate.
“Danny has been excellent when it comes to the training of the operators on the new crane and in terms of the commissioning the 250. He is very good at what he does and knows his craft very well. So yes, all in all in the new Grove has fitted into the fleet really well.”
Chris is particuarly impressed with the 78.5m of main boom the crane offers.
“We do a lot of construction work which sees the 250 frequently on construction sites where having the extra reach is really beneficial because it has such a good radius.
“The extra height is excellent when it comes to erecting and dismantling tower cranes. The 300t Grove has been a good crane for us, and it has 80m of boom.
“The 250’s boom isn’t much shorter but it’s on five axles which makes it more maneuverable and able to get into areas where there isn’t much tolerance in terms of space.
“Recently, we have been busy installing modular housing which also includes social housing. With this work we put in pods or units in the back garden or behind houses, where the family doesn’t have enough rooms. We lift a lot of modular houses for clients which are constructed off site and brought to site where we install them. The extra reach provided by the 250 is ideal for this type of work,” Chris says.
The roadability of the new Grove GMK5250XL-1 is another highlight.
“In Tasmania, we are very fortunate that we do have a very good road network,” Chris says.
“It is important the cranes come in on or underweight, but the Groves’ have proven to be excellent in terms of roadability, we have had no problems. We do have a dolly that’s suitable for the 250 but to date, we still haven’t needed it.”
Cranes Combined is busy as is the Tasmanian crane industry in general.
“We’ve been really busy across numerous industry sectors and there’s a lot in the pipeline that’s coming through as well. In the medium to long-term, there are a lot of projects coming up, so the 250 has landed just at the right time,” Chris says.
The Grove GMK5250XL-1 has already had some challenging lifts.
“I was considering entering this lift in the CICA Lift of the Year competition, but I ran out of time and missed the deadline,” Chris says.“Recently, we put in a big gantry crane which is going to be used in a casting yard for the new Bridgewater Bridge.
“It was a three-crane lift where we utilised our 220t Tadano, the new 250t Grove, and also our 160t Liebherr. It was a really interesting lift.
“The other part of the acquisition is the replacing of our ageing cranes. The 160t Liebherr will be sold offshore and that’s getting ready to be shipped in September.
“At Cranes Combined, we have a continued commitment to renewing the fleet, operating a modern fleet has been a strong focus for the business,” he says. “And now that commitment is paying big dividends, it’s proven to be a very good decision.”
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