23.09.2010

150 ton Grove RT

Manitowoc has announced the introduction of a new 150 ton/135 tonne two axle Rough Terrain crane, the Grove RT9150E

The new model, the largest two axle Grove ever, combines the superstructure of the Grove GMK5130-2 (GMK5165-2 in USA) All-Terrain crane with the chassis of the 130 ton RT9130E. It is said to offer lift capacity improvements over the 9130 of around 60 percent almost 12 metres more main boom.
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The new Grove RT9150E

The cranes AT heritage gives it an exceptionally long main boom for a Rough Terrain crane at just under 60 metres. The six section boom also retains the Twin-Lock pinning system from the GMK.

Maximum radius on the main boom is 54.5 metres, at which point it has a capacity of 1,700kgs. (3,800 lbs @180ft). An 11 to 17.9 metre bi-fold lattice swingaway extension offsets from zero to 20 or 40 degrees and takes the tip height up to almost 81 metres, with a maximum working radius of 66.5 metres at which it has a capacity of 900kgs/2,000lbs.

Two additional lattice inserts are also available one 7.9 metres, the other six metres, which fit between the boom nose and the swingaway to provide the crane’s maximum tip height of 94.5 metres. This configuration also improves the capacity at the maximum 66.5 metre radius to 1,250kgs/ 2,770 lbs.
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The new crane has a 60 metre main boom

The RT9150E has a chassis length of 9.8 metres, which can be reduced to just eight metres with the outriggers removed. The overall stowed length is just over 15 metres, the width 3.7 metres and height 4.1 metres. Gross vehicle weight 79 tonnes.

For ease of transport the crane can remove and install its own outrigger boxes, along with the 17.7 tonnes of counterweight.

The operator’s cab is the first of a new generation of Grove superstructure cabs that offer improved visibility and comfort. The “full vision” design incorporates a much greater glazed area and offers up to 20 degrees of tilt.

The cab is equipped with Grove’s EKS5 load moment indicator and also ECOS electronic controls, which not only manage and monitor the crane’s major functions, but also provides feedback on a variety of conditions, including fuel level, low brake pressure, hydraulic oil temperature, transmission oil temperature and engine stop.

Power options include a 300hp Tier IV compliant Cummins QSC8.3L for customers in the U.S.A, while a Euro Stage III compliant version is offered for export. The engine drives a Clark Powershift Transmission with six forward and three reverse gears.

Doyle Bryant, director of product marketing for Manitowoc, said: “This crane offers a maximum tip height of 312 ft, and that will impress people. With the available length of main boom, it can reach places that previously required a jib. We’ve combined proven Grove technology from our All-Terrain and Rough-Terrain crane lines to create this RT9150E, which we believe is the new market leader.”

“There will be a lot of applications in refineries, power plants and other large projects where space is often tight, so the compact carrier gives the crane additional value.”

Vertikal Comment

This is quite a different type of crane to other Grove Rough Terrain models, possibly with the exception of the RT9130, the highly refined pinned All Terrain boom was not always considered to be ‘at home’ on a rugged pick & carry RT crane. But these large machines are not used in the same way as their smaller cousins – the 20 to 80 tonne RTs.

In a way they are not dissimilar in concept to what Liebherr has done with its LRT crawler cranes. Offering fantastic off road ability when stowed and ultra compact dimensions when working.

The key benefits of this model will be a more rugged, more compact lower cost chassis - ideal for longer term contracts and work around large industrial and petrochemical plants – with the reach and sophistication of a mid-range All Terrain crane. It is a sensible and logical ‘bolt-on’ to the company’s product range.