In response to customer demand, Grove upgraded its famous GMK6400-1 to GMK6450-1, with 50 tons of additional capacity.
"Over the past two years, we've seen a growing demand for a name change from our global customer base. We re-evaluated the crane's performance, resulting in a new model, the GMK6450-1", explains Andreas Cremer, Vice President Mobile Cranes at Manitowoc.
The GMK6450-1 crane, with its 450-ton capacity on 6 axles, improves on the GMK6400-1, and the new name reflects its enhanced capabilities. Indeed, the addition of the MAXbase variable wedge positioning system on the GMK6400-1 model in 2021, has offered a new performance gain. This feature makes it possible to implement asymmetrical shimming configurations, for improved load curves. MAXbase can also be used with the capacity-enhancing MegaWingLift option. This automated assembly equipment can be deployed in less than 20 minutes, and requires no additional crane. MAXbase increases lifting capacity by up to 70% on the main boom, and by up to 400% when using the lift arm.
These improvements have led to an evolution of the crane's name for customers.
The GMK6450-1 can lift 8.9 t between 38 and 50 m radius with its fully extended 136 m boom and jib system. In its maximum configuration of 120 m, the crane can lift an impressive 12.8 t over spans ranging from 36 m to 52 m. The GMK6450-1 is particularly suited to wind farm projects involving variable spans and the ability to lift heavy loads at steep vertical angles.
