German crane operator Rachinger has completed its first job using its new Grove GMK5220 all-terrain crane. The 220 t capacity crane, which arrived in June, built a new warehouse in Herriedon for German toymaker Playmobil.
The GMK5220 is the highest capacity crane in Rachinger’s 12-unit fleet, taking the title from a fellow Grove crane, the 100 t capacity GMK5100. Rachinger added the new GMK5220 to its fleet because it offers exceptional performance and easily conforms to all German roading regulations, as owner Reinhold Rachinger explains:
“A new crane is a big investment so we research carefully to ensure we choose the right one,” he says. “The GMK5220 was the front runner because it is fully-equipped for our needs and all of its features, especially the unique aluminum wheel rims that only Grove offers, keep the crane within the legal weight limits of Germany’s roads. This is crucial for us.”
The GMK5220’s first job put its power and agility to the test expanding Playmobil’s storage facility. The crane erected pre-cast concrete structures in loads of up to 29 t at a 17 m radius. The crane’s load control and road handling capabilities were praised by Rachinger’s operators.
“This job demonstrated the precise load-handling skills of the GMK5220,” says crane driver Klaus Maag. “The crane is really responsive; you feel the quality as soon as you step on the pedal. Thanks to the special features of the Allison transmission system and Megatrak suspension system, road handling is never an issue.”
Grove’s GMK5220 is a five-axle, all-terrain crane with a 68 m boom, which can be extended to 105 m with a jib.
Established in 1990, family owned Rachinger provides crane sales, rental and servicing to customers across central Germany.
Playmobil was established in 1974 and has sold over 2.6 billion toys worldwide.