Grove GMK6300L racks up impressive operating hours in Germany
German crane rental giant BKL has used its Grove GMK6300L for more than 620 operating hours in less than six months, making it one of the most used cranes in its fleet. The 300 t capacity crane has erected tower cranes, installed industrial machinery and lifted precast concrete structures at job sites across southern Germany.
A recent job saw the GMK6300L erect a tower crane high in the German Alps. The crane lifted 27 t loads at a height of 47 m while working at a 20 m radius.
BKL took delivery of its GMK6300L in February, and the crane has almost constantly been on job sites and away from the BKL yard, much to the delight of Detleff Gamper, mobile crane scheduling manager at BKL.
“Despite its size, the GMK6300L is easy to transport and quick to set up,” he says. “Its lifting capabilities and ability to work on difficult terrain make it a very versatile crane.”
The GMK6300L’s recent tower crane assembly took place this summer in a mountainous area outside Krün, near the Austrian border. Rugged terrain and limited space meant the Grove GMK6300L’s class-leading 80 m boom proved to be a great advantage.
Despite these challenges, the crane’s precise load control meant it took four technicians and two operators just three days to erect the 48 m tall tower crane. A 40 t assist crane was also used.
The tower crane, which was fitted with a 71 m jib will remain at the picturesque job site for 12 months as it helps build a new hotel.
With more than 300 tower and mobile cranes in its fleet, BKL Baukran Logistik GmbH is one of the largest crane suppliers in Germany. The company has more than 40 years’ experience in crane sales and rentals, and provides lifting services to projects throughout Germany. It operates through branches in Munich, Frankfurt and Hanover.
Grove’s GMK6300L is one of the company’s biggest success stories. Since its launch at the end of 2010, more than 100 units are now working at projects on four continents. The six-axle crane is one of the first units to benefit from the recent quality improvements carried out at Grove’s Wilhelmshaven plant in northern Germany.