German crane rental company Schmidbauer deployed a Grove GMK6400-1 all-terrain crane to replace bearings on three blades of a wind turbine in Denklingen, Bavaria.
The replacement process included removing the rotor blades, dismantling and refurbishing the bearings, and restoring the components to their original positions.
The project concluded in three days, ahead of the initial schedule.
For the operation, Schmidbauer configured the GMK6400-1 with 135t of ballast and a main boom measuring 54.6m.
The crane utilised a 73m luffing jib and its MegaWingLift attachment, allowing it to safely lift loads up to 9t at a 39m radius, with hook heights up to 123m.
This crane joined Schmidbauer’s fleet in April 2024.
The Grove GMK6400-1 is designed to take on tasks that often require cranes with seven or eight axles.
As well as the self-rigging MegaWingLift system, that can be installed in under 20 minutes, the crane has an upgraded hydraulic system for improved performance.
The addition of MAXbase variable outrigger positioning increases lifting capacities when using the main boom.
Schmidbauer technical sales consultant Florian Zech said: “This job shows what is possible when technology, experience, and teamwork come together seamlessly.
“Our GMK6400-1 offers exactly the performance needed for complex wind energy applications. The fact that we were able to replace the blade bearings in only three days underscores the efficiency of our processes and the expertise of our team.”
Following the GMK6400-1, Grove introduced the GMK6450-1, which offers additional lifting power and advanced control technology.
This successor is positioned for use in wind industry tasks involving installation, repair, and component replacement.
