This Spring at Bauma, Manitowoc is unveiling two new Grove rough-terrain cranes: the RT550E and RT770E. Both offer new features that improve jobsite efficiency. The 49.6-ton capacity RT550E has the highest capacity and longest boom in its class at 128 ft. It stands less than 39.4 ft. long, 8.4 ft. wide, and weighs under 32 tons.
The RT550E also features the new Crane Control System, which includes a boom optimization feature that automatically configures boom length to suit specific loads and radii. The system optimizes crane operation with a user-friendly interface that eliminates the need for operators to complete lengthy lift setups.
The five-section boom can telescope partial loads from between any two boom positions. It can also be fitted with a 26.2 ft. fixed swing-away boom attachment to extend its reach to 154.2 ft. The hoist offers higher single-line pull and line speeds that are up to 70% faster than those provided by other cranes in this class.
The 71.7- ton capacity Grove RT770E features a 138 ft., five-section, full-power boom on a compact 26.2'x11’ crane chassis. It comes with a Cummins 6.7L engine, and has four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. It can be fitted with a 33- to 56-ft. bi-fold swing-away jib that gives a total boom-and-jib length of 194 ft. and extends working radius to 144 ft.
Paul Cutchall, rough-terrain crane product manager at Manitowoc, said new technology and an improved design have made the RT770E very efficient. “Normally for customers to obtain this boom length on this size of rough-terrain crane, they would need to install inserts, which would require an assist crane," he said.
"We're using a single cylinder technology that eliminates the need for a hydraulic hose reel. It lightens the boom, and in turn, the entire crane. It has given us considerable freedom and flexibility in the crane's design and its performance."
Source: Lift and Access Magazine, March-April 2013
Photo: courtesy of CraneHotline.com
