UK-based lifting solution company Southern Cranes has enhanced its business and work opportunities following its acquisition of ten new cranes for its fleet, the company announced in a press release last month.

The new cranes will comprise a combination of various all-terrain Grove crane models with three- and five-axle units, from crane product and service provider Manitowoc. The crane models include the GMK5150XL, GMK5250XL-1, and the GMK3060L-1.

The cranes were ordered with full spec and a huge array of extras, including the optional MAXbase variable outrigger positioning function.

The 150-t capacity GMK5150XL features a seven-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 a axle, the GMK5150XL can carry up to 10.2 t of counterweight. There is also a configuration of 16.5 t a axle, which is relevant for the UK and makes it possible to drive the crane with 30.9 t of counterweight.

The 250-t capacity GMK5250XL-1 was designed to push the boundaries of what is 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 uses 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, and with a vehicle width of only 2.55 m and a carrier length of 8.77 m, it is particularly well-suited to work in urban jobsites, owing to its compact dimensions and small slewing radius.

Southern Cranes has already been using Grove’s GMK5250XL and GMK3060 cranes and sees the addition of the new cranes as beneficial to the company’s heavy lifting projects, says Southern Cranes director Kelvin Prince.

“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,” he adds.

In previous years, Southern Cranes 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,” he enthuses.