Lawson Haulage and Crane Hire, a crane rental company based in Cockermouth, has expanded its fleet with the addition of the Grove GMK5250XL-1 all-terrain crane, marking its largest mobile crane and the first Grove model it has acquired.
The new crane boasts a 250-tonne capacity and features a 78.5-metre-long boom, enabling the company to pursue new contracts across northern England and southern Scotland.
The decision to invest in the GMK5250XL-1 was influenced by the crane’s technical features and the customer support provided by Manitowoc, including their new facility in Barnsley. This new addition has already proved beneficial, successfully completing its first job at Egger UK’s wood plant in Hexham, Northumberland. The crane was used to change out two turning wheels during a plant shutdown, demonstrating its capability by handling loads of 25 tonnes with ease.
Gary Audley, crane manager at Lawson Haulage and Crane Hire Services, expressed satisfaction with the crane’s performance, noting, “The GMK5250XL-1 handled the first job with ease, and the operation went extremely smoothly, allowing the plant to get back online quickly, which the customer really appreciated.”
The new crane will soon begin other projects, including wind turbine erection and maintenance, boat lifts, and large dismantling works, as well as projects at Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park.
Manitowoc will continue to support Lawson from its new service location in Barnsley and its UK head office in Buckingham. Grant Kennedy, assistant crane manager at Lawson Haulage and Crane Hire Services, emphasized the benefits of the new crane, stating, “The new Grove GMK5250XL-1 has allowed us to handle heavier loads and to do jobs faster because, with the long boom, we can handle more work without needing a jib.”
The GMK5250XL-1’s flexible counterweight configurations and spacious, ergonomic driver’s cab are among its standout features. During a visit to Manitowoc’s factory in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, UK sales manager Derek Kidd expressed excitement about Lawson’s choice, saying, “We’re delighted Lawson has added its first Grove crane and look forward to a long working relationship together.”
The acquisition of the Grove GMK5250XL-1 positions Lawson Haulage and Crane Hire Services to access more tier-one work while maintaining its substantial existing customer base.