UK-based rental company Lee Lifting has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of the Grove GMK5250XL-1 all-terrain crane, renowned as the highest capacity crane on five axles. This latest addition is set to enhance the company’s operations within the dynamic film and television sectors.
Lee Lifting, with over 40 years of industry experience, has built a strong reputation in the movie and TV industry, contributing significantly to its turnover. The company recently relocated to a larger facility in Camberley, Surrey, UK, signifying its continuous growth.
Delivered in March, the Grove GMK5250XL-1 was immediately put to work on bustling UK film sets. Its versatile specifications make it ideal for various production tasks, from holding lights and rigging equipment to managing complex lifts in constrained spaces.
“Originally, we were going for a smaller capacity crane, but we switched to the Grove GMK5250XL-1 after evaluating upcoming projects and realising we needed more flexibility and specs that met our evolving needs,” said Jody Whitmore of Lee Lifting. “It’s the highest capacity crane on five axles, which offers more lifting power without jumping up to a six-axle crane that would be harder to manage and fit on job sites.”
The GMK5250XL-1 boasts an impressive 250-tonne capacity with a main boom extending up to 78.5 metres. Optional configurations include an 11.2 m/17.8 m swingaway jib that can be hydraulically luffed, offering exceptional flexibility. Lee Lifting also customised its crane with a dual winch—a crucial feature for film set demands, such as simultaneously holding lighting equipment and cable looms.
This latest crane joins Lee Lifting’s existing fleet of Grove models, including the GMK5150L and GMK3060L. The company has consistently selected Grove cranes for their class-leading capabilities and distinctive features. Manitowoc ensures peak performance and uptime through comprehensive, local customer support.
“With the 150 t Grove we got a really long boom, with the 60 t Grove we got a hydraulic luffing jib, and now with the 250-tonner we’ve got the strongest crane on five axles. Each Grove gives us something unique — that’s why we keep choosing them,” Whitmore explained.
Lee Lifting’s versatile fleet supports a broad spectrum of production activities, including aerial lighting, aerial stunts (such as controlled falls and flying sequences), prop movements during shoots, live-action scenes, and set construction.
“We tend to spec our machines with additional features that give us the most flexibility,” Whitmore added. “For example, we always add a separate pedal to telescope the boom — it gives us another layer of control. A film set is a dynamic environment that requires constant repositioning, which is why we always opt for a hydraulic luffing jib on our Grove cranes. That extra functionality makes a big difference. We also like the MAXbase™ capability, which enables us to set up with asymmetrical outrigger positioning and still optimise lifting capacity.”
Lee Lifting’s partnership with Grove extends over eight years. In 2017, the company purchased the Grove GMK5150L, then the five-axle crane with the longest boom in its segment. The company’s feedback to Grove’s product management was instrumental in the development of an updated model, which Lee Lifting adopted in 2020.
“It’s great to see input being taken on board — we ultimately replaced our original order with the updated version in 2020,” Whitmore concluded.