Southern Cranes adds 10 new Grove all-terrain cranes to support growth strategy

• UK-based lifting and equipment provider Southern Cranes has ordered 10 Grove all-terrain cranes, including GMK5150XL, GMK5250XL-1, and GMK3060L-1 all-terrain models.

Southern Cranes, a UK-based lifting solution and extensive equipment provider, purchased 10 new Grove all-terrain cranes this year to update its fleet. The company will acquire a mix of three- and five-axle units, including the latest Grove GMK5150XL, GMK5250XL-1, and GMK3060L-1 all-terrain models.

Southern Cranes is already very familiar with the GMK5250XL-1, having been the first in the UK to receive this model. The GMK5150XL is a new addition to the fleet and will bring increased work opportunities to the company. The GMK3060L-1 is also a new model for Southern Cranes which will serve alongside several existing GMK3060 cranes in the fleet. 

“Our GMK5250XL-1 has been an excellent performer, and it’s perfect for tower crane erection. The operator loves it and refuses to work with anything else. Adding another 250 t machine will open up new opportunities for us. Elsewhere, we are in the process of replacing our older 90 t machines and want to explore bigger options; the GMK5150XL is a great fit. It will help us increase our utilization. We’re looking forward to receiving the GMK3060L-1 cranes, too. We know the GMK3060 well, but with the new model, we get a much longer boom in a compact footprint – it's only 200 mm wider and 600 mm longer than the footprint of an equivalent 40 t crane,” said Kelvin Prince, director of Southern Cranes.

The cranes were ordered with full spec and a huge array of extras, including the optional MAXbase variable outrigger positioning function. Located in the south of the UK, Southern Cranes is a leading provider of lifting solutions and material handling equipment. In recent years, the company invested significantly to diversify its equipment range, incorporating many roto telehandlers, track carriers, spider cranes, and more into its extensive fleet of mobile cranes and access equipment. “We offer clients a ‘one-stop-shop’ service for all their lifting equipment,” Prince explained.

The 150 t capacity GMK5150XL features a 7-section, MEGAFORM boom with unbeatable strength. Its load charts in taxi configuration are best-in-class, ensuring easy roadability and transport savings for owners. Taxi configurations start from just 1 t of counterweight and for configurations of 12 t per axle, the GMK5150XL can carry up to 10.2 t of counterweight. There is also a configuration of 16.5 t per axle, which is relevant for the UK and makes it possible to drive the crane with an outstanding 30.9 t of counterweight.

The 250 t capacity GMK5250XL-1 was designed to push the boundaries of what’s possible with a crane of this size. Its 78.5 m main boom is the longest in its class and includes Twin-Lock boom pinning, which translates to better strength charts because of its design that removes cylinder weight from the crane. The long boom and high capacities are balanced against a small footprint and stellar maneuverability. The crane’s single-engine design utilizes fuel-saver technology, which can lower costs by up to 30% compared to previous Grove five-axle cranes.

The 60 t capacity GMK3060L-1 is equipped with a 48 m long, seven-section MEGAFORM® boom. Its compact carrier impresses with a vehicle width of only 2.55 m and a carrier length of 8.77 m. Due to its compact dimensions and small slewing radius, it is particularly well-suited to work in urban jobsites.

“Southern Cranes has been a fantastic partner to Manitowoc for many years now,” said James Leishman, sales manager UK for Manitowoc. “It’s great to see the company expanding its fleet offerings, and we’re proud to play a part in the company’s ongoing success.”