A Grove GMK7550 all-terrain crane did its part to transform a Washington Dulles International Airport flight tower terminal into a museum. The airport is less than 30 miles away from downtown Washington, D.C. and is one of the country’s busiest airports. The 450 t (550 USt) crane lifted a refurbished radar dome to the top of a tower, all while amid busy air space.
The crane was configured with 48.7 m (160 ft) of main boom with 48.7 m (160 ft) of luffing jib for the project. It lifted the 6.8 t (7.5 USt) dome 60.9 m (200 ft) high to the top of the tower. Working in such close proximity to dense air traffic was a challenge. Air space was closed around the crane while it worked — lights and flags attached to the crane ensured it was visible. The project took one week to complete.
The fast highway speeds of the seven-axle GMK7550 enabled it to quickly move in and out of the busy airport. Once on the job site, the crane’s all-wheel multiple mode steering enabled it to maneuver into place, a demanding task considering the amount of air and terminal traffic surrounding the crane. As the GMK7550 has the highest capacity of any all-terrain in the Grove line, it was able to lift the heavy radar dome with ease.
Greensboro, N.C.-based J. Wayne Poole was the company contracted to erect the refurbished radar dome on top of the tower. The 34-year old company looked to Richmond, Va.-based WO Grubb to help select the perfect crane for the job.
Ray Hand, WO Grubb Alexandria branch manager, suggested the Grove GMK7550 for its capacity and reach, as well as its mobility. He said the crane performed well on the job site.
“The crane performed beautifully,” Hand said. “The GMK7550 crane is the largest in our fleet and was chosen for its beneficial load chart, as well as its luffing jib length. It has proven to be conveniently mobile and simple to use.”
WO Grubb is the 16th largest rental company in North America. Among its six branches are eight
Manitowoc cranes and 46 Grove cranes in its fleet. It has two Grove GMK7550 cranes that the company purchased from Baton Rouge, La.-based H&E Equipment.
Established in 1961, H&E offers a host of services for the all of the Manitowoc crane brands, including crane rentals and sales, parts and services, and training. The company is also a certified EnCORE partner, providing the outstanding service and the highest quality remanufacturing and structural repair work for Manitowoc-brand cranes.