An all-round bridge builder

The first job for the machine, supplied by Stephenson Equipment, saw it setting 3.5USt barriers in a river to build a cofferdam. The crane then installed 32ft, 6USt, beams within a tight, 18ft-wide work space, before lifting 18.5USt precast segments to build the bridge itself. It was the first of five projects on which the company would use the GRT8100 in 2017, and according to Kriger, all five of them went well.

In 2018, the company is scheduled to build more than 30 bridges, and the GRT8100 will be used on all of them. According to Jason Wilson, crane operator for Kriger, the GRT8100 is especially well-suited to bridge-building applications.

“The GRT8100 is great for precise work that requires lifting accuracy, such as building precast bridge components,” said Wilson. “When I have to hit a 1/8in gap with an 18USt deck slab, this crane makes it easy.” That precision is made possible by Manitowoc’s Crane Control System, standard on the GRT8100.

The intuitive user interface has an operator-adjustable controller setting and full proportionality to assist with the precise setting of loads in any critical application.

“I’ve been spoiled by the new CCS,” Kriger general superintendent Joe Palickar said. “Everything I need to scroll through the menu is conveniently located on the arm rest, right at my fingertips. Not only do I have the option to deploy outriggers to 50%, but the deployment process is easy with CCS. I also like being able to see the percentage of the boom that’s extended.”

The GRT8100 offers a 154ft, five-section main boom that provides better reach and greater versatility.

The rough-terrain crane also has a tilting cab, impressive load charts and the benefit of extensive component testing at Manitowoc’s product verification centre to ensure quality and reliability.