Grove’s GBT35 truck cranes grow in popularity across the globe

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One of the Grove GBT35s owned by Crane Load Tech in South Africa

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Grove’s GBT35 owned by the Egyptian army

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Grove GBT35 truck-mounted cranes from Manitowoc are now working on four continents. The 35 t capacity crane, which has an industry-leading 39 m main boom, has proven a hit with rental companies and owner operators in markets as diverse as Australia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Gabon and South Africa.

The GBT35’s success is down to its versatility, as it combines the transport benefits of a normal truck with all the hallmarks of strength and quality customers expect from a Grove crane. One feature that is proving popular the world over is the ability of customers to select their preferred truck brand on which to mount the crane. This allows companies to select a brand they are familiar with and where they feel they have the best parts and service support. Also, as vehicle legislation varies from country to country, the crane can be built to comply with varying road laws.

Since its launch in 2011, the GBT35 has proved particularly popular in South Africa. Crane Load Tech, Manitowoc’s local dealer, was the first to purchase a GBT35 crane and was a pioneer in testing the new technology. Henry Wells, managing director of Crane Load Tech, said the crane offers capabilities that other machines simply cannot match.

“We were speaking closely with Manitowoc from the very moment this crane concept was being developed,” he said. “The result is a machine that no other crane in this class can beat. It is ideal for long distance travel, is quick to set-up and can perform strong lifts at longer radii. We have sold several units already and we expect its popularity to keep on growing.”

Australasia is another key market for the GBT35. Ten units are scheduled to be working in Australia and New Zealand in 2013, with more expected to arrive over the course of the year. Its success on the continent is based on its rugged and reliable carrier, which means long journeys between job sites – typical in these two countries – are safe, comfortable and fast.

As well as superior road movement, the GBT35 offers several class-leading benefits, including its 39 m full power main boom, which is 3 m longer than the nearest competitor. The crane also performs impressive reach work; it can lift 900 kg at a 30 m radius with the boom fully extended, which is comparable to much larger 50 t cranes.

The GBT35’s applications are varied thanks to its versatility and size, and it’s perfect for a wide range of general construction and industrial lifting work. The GBT35 is also lighter than comparable truck cranes, making it easier to gain permits to travel on roads or over bridges, for example, that other cranes would have to avoid.