Performance of new best-in-class Grove GMK5250L prompts crane sale to Merkel Autokrane

Impressed by the performance and technical concept of the new Grove crane, Günther Merkel, managing director of Merkel Autokrane, made the decision there and then to be one of the first to purchase it. He signed off the purchase on a napkin during dinner that day. 

The 250 t capacity GMK5250L offers the strongest reach and load chart of any five-axle crane, and is the first mobile crane to feature a VIAB turbo clutch and integrated retarder. The VIAB turbo clutch module eliminates both fluid overheating and clutch burning, and enables the best manoeuvrability and class-leading driver comfort. The Grove crane also offers excellent roadability with its below 12 t per axle configuration, which leaves room for additional equipment that can be added later. 

“Having seen the benefits of the Grove GMK5250L I wanted to seal the deal immediately, so I signed for the crane on a napkin at dinner,” he said. “I was astonished at what Manitowoc has been able to achieve with this new Grove crane. It pushes the boundaries of what a five-axle crane can do, and even gives the larger six-axle cranes a run for their money in certain applications. For us, as a relatively small operation with regional customers, easy manoeuvrability is the deciding factor. A five axle crane is also more beneficial for us as that is the maximum number of axles allowing a permanent transportation permit. Another very important feature was the extreme narrow outrigger base, which is more compact compared to all other existing 220 t cranes on the market."

The GMK5250L is powered by a single engine – a concept pioneered by Grove on its highly successful Grove GMK6400. On the GMK5250L, the engine is a Tier IV Final/EUROMOT 4 Mercedes-Benz OM471LA, a six cylinder diesel engine with a 390 kW (520 hp) rating and a maximum torque of 2,460 Nm. A single engine means lower fuel consumption during operation, reduced overall weight and less maintenance, meaning the crane is far more economical. The GMK5250L offers fuel savings of up to 30% from its predecessor, the GMK5220.

"We are thrilled with the new addition to our fleet,” continued Merkel. “This new Grove crane will enable us to improve and expand our range of services further.”
The GMK5250L is now the largest capacity crane in Merkel’s fleet and is replacing a 170 t mobile crane.  Merkel Autokrane is more than 20 years in the market and operates a fleet of 11 mobile cranes in Schlüsselfeld, Bamberg and Weismain.