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Grove upgrades GMK6400-1 to GMK6450-1, increasing max capacity to 496 tons. Addition of MAXbase outrigger system enhances performance, prompting renaming due to strong lifting capabilities for wind power projects. Visit www.manitowoc.com for more info.
Mon October 14, 2024 - National Edition
The Grove GMK6400-1 will be upgraded to the GMK6450-1 and carry an increased maximum capacity rating of 496 tons, which is 55 tons more than the previous GMK6400-1.
The crane remains the strongest all-terrain crane available on six-axles and renaming it better reflects its true capabilities, according to the manufacturer.
"Over the past two years, we have seen a growing demand for a name change from our global customer base. We reviewed the crane's performance, which resulted in a new model, the GMK6450-1," said Andreas Cremer, vice president product and project management of mobile cranes at Manitowoc.
The addition of the MAXbase variable outrigger positioning system on the GMK6400-1 in 2021 allowed customers to further capitalize on the all-terrain crane's strong performance. This feature allows the use of asymmetrical outrigger setups and results in enhanced load charts. In addition, MAXbase can be used in conjunction with the capacity-increasing MegaWingLift.
The self-rigging attachment can be deployed in less than 20 minutes and does not require an assist crane. MAXbase increases lifting capacity by up to 70 percent on the main boom and by up to 400 percent when using the luffing jib. These enhancements led to customer requests for renaming the crane.
The Grove GMK6450-1 offers segment-leading lifting capabilities and has been used on projects in place of seven-axle — or even eight-axle — all-terrain cranes. For example, it can lift 9.8 tons between 124 and 164 ft. radii when working with its full boom and jib system length of 150 ft.
When working with 394 ft. of boom and jib, the crane handles 14 tons at distances between 118 and 170 ft. Furthermore, the GMK6450-1 is particularly well suited to wind power projects that require flexible set-up distances to the turbine and the ability to lift heavy loads at steep vertical angles. It can lift in wind speeds of up to 29.5 ft./sec. with its 259 ft. luffing jib.
For more information, visit www.manitowoc.com.
This story also appears on Crane Equipment Guide.