Crane lifts 550 tons on all terrains.

Press Release Summary:

GMK7550 mobile hydraulic crane offers maximum working range of 263 ft. Maximum tip height of main boom is 207 ft., and approximately 410 ft with 240 ft luffing jib installed. Crane utilizes 52.5 to 197 ft., 5-section, electronically controlled, hydraulically positioned, mechanically pinned MEGAFORM(TM) telescoping boom. Crane includes Mercedes diesel engine, 7 axles, outriggers, fully removable counterweight, and tiltable cab.

Original Press Release:

Grove's Largest Crane - 550 Tons

The new Grove GMK7550 all terrain crane, introduced at CONEXPO 2002 is Grove's largest mobile hydraulic crane with a rated lifting capacity of 550 tons (450 tonnes). Maximum tip height of its main boom is 207 ft. (63 m), and approximately 410 ft. (125 m) with the 240 ft. (73 m) luffing jib installed. The maximum working range reaches 263 ft. (80m). The GMK7550 utilizes a 52.5 ft.-197 ft. (16 m-60 m) five section, electronically controlled and hydraulically positioned, mechanically pinned, full power Grove MEGAFORM(TM) boom. The patented TWINLOCK(TM) boom telescoping system allows for preselection of 32 different main boom extension configurations for optimum strength and stability. A standard quick removal system allows fast removal of the entire boom assembly if necessary for transport. A wide range of fixed jib and luffing jib lengths are offered which further extend the capabilities of this machine. A new Grove ECOS (Electronic Crane Operating System) is featured on the GMK7550. ECOS works in conjunction with the TWINLOCK system and automatically controls unpinning and extension of the boom sections to the selected boom configuration. It also interacts with the new EKS5 LMI system to provide the operator with a constant update of all crane conditions via CAN-BUS technology. The ECOS display panel is mounted on a swing arm and can tilt for operator convenience. The superstructure cab is tiltable to approximately 20 deg for operator comfort and convenience and has a host of ergonomic features. The adjustable operator's seat has a hydraulic suspension and dual-axis joystick controls are integrated into the armrests. An opening, shatter-resistant skylight, opening windscreen and sliding rear window provide excellent visibility and ventilation. The cab is mounted on the right side of the superstructure and hydraulically swings to the rear of the superstructure for road travel. A Mercedes OM 906 LA, diesel, 6 cylinder, water cooled, turbocharged superstructure engine develops 255 HP (190 kW) at 1800 rpm. Four separate pump circuits are provided: three axial piston variable displacement pumps with electronic engine speed related control and one axial piston pump for slewing. A standard thermostatically controlled oil cooler keeps oil at the optimum operating temperature. Oil tank capacity is 428 gal. (1620 L). The main hoist contains 1,509 ft. (460 m) of 24 mm diameter wire rope. Permissible line pull is 24,700 lbs. (11,204 kg). The counterweight is fully removable and totals 265,000 lbs. (120 tonnes). It consists of a 44,090 lbs. (20 tonnes) base plate and ten side weights of 22,045 lbs. (10 tonnes) each with hydraulic installation/removal system. The easily removed counterweights, along with the removable rear outrigger box, auxiliary eighth axle option and various boom transport options (over front or trailing boom with dolly) and axle raise options allow for selection of a wide range of transport modes as required. For example, with the boom and rear outrigger box removed the travel weight of GMK7550 can lower to under 112,200 lbs. (50,900 kg) on 7 axles. Wnen using a trailing boom on 11 axles, the crane travels at approximately 201,000 lbs. (91,200 kg) providing respectable individual axle weights. The GMK7550 features seven axles with a drive/steer configuration of 14x6x14. Axles 1, 4 and 5 are drive/steer. Axles 2, 3, 6 and 7 are steer only. Axle #2 becomes drive/steer with the optional 14x8x14 drive. Grove's exclusive MEGATRAK(TM) suspension features an independent hydropneumatic system with hydraulic lockout on all wheels. The suspension can be raised 6 1/2" (170 mm) or lowered 5" (130 mm) both longitudinally and transversely and features an automatic leveling system for highway travel. A Mercedes OM 502 LA, diesel, 8 cylinder, water-cooled, turbocharged chassis engine develops 563 HP (420 kW) at 2,000 rpm. The 7 speed Allison automatic transmission provides 7 forward and 1 reverse speed. The crane is equipped with a 2 speed transfer case and inter-axle differential lock to provide lower jobsite travel speeds and additional traction. Highway speed is 55 mph (89 km/h ) and fuel tank capacity is 132 gal. (500 L). The outriggers can be partially (50%) or fully (100%) extended. Four self-stowing, steel outrigger pads provide a rigid lifting base. Controls are located on both sides of the carrier and an electronic level indicator is located next to each outrigger control box. The entire rear outrigger box is quickly removed to meet roading requirements and an optional auxiliary eighth axle can be pinned in place of the rear outrigger box. As previously noted, a wide range of configurations allow numerous axle loads to meet road restrictions. The two person carrier cab features hydraulic suspension on both driver and passenger seats, safety glass and full instrumentation. Heaters and air conditioning are standard in both cabs. Compared to other machines in its class, the GMK7550 offers users more standard boom length, longer fixed jib length, faster road speeds and all wheel steering. The flagship GMK7550 is Grove's most exciting entry in the all terrain market to date. First production delivery is scheduled for mid 2002 and European deliveries with full CE registration will follow. It should be noted that these and other specifications are preliminary and may change with continued development. Grove has an unsurpassed North American and International presence with distribution in more than 125 countries on six continents plus industry-leading manufacturing and product development facilities and partners in North America, Europe and Asia. Grove products are marketed as Grove® Crane, National Crane, and Grove Manlift® aerial work platforms. Grove, P.O. Box 21, Shady Grove, PA 17256-0021 USA. Tel: 717.597.8121, Fax: 717.597.4062, www.groveworldwide.com