Grove gives advance details of new 55t mobile crane

Grove has announced preliminary details of a new 55t capacity mobile crane to be launched by the year-end.

Designated the GMK3055, the three axle crane is an addition to the company's existing range and will feature a new 8.68m compact chassis and longer boom.

According to Malcolm Early marketing manager for Manitowoc Crane Group - which now includes Grove cranes - the most important feature is the crane's 43m-long boom.

"By combining a U-shaped boom with our twin-lock pinning and extension system, we are offering a stronger boom with better load curves and more length," he said.

"We've never used this technology on a crane of less than 70t before, and this means GMK3055 has the longest boom with the shortest carrier in the entire 55t class."

As well as providing a 55t maximum lift capacity, the six-section boom will have a 46m maximum tip height, with a range of optional manual and hydraulic luffing swingaway jib extensions available.

The  GMK3055 is scheduled to go on sale by the end of the year, with the crane making its international debut at Germany's Bauma exhibition in March 2004.