Both cranes were launched at Intermat in Paris in April, with Finnish dealer Konekesko publishing copies of the technical specifications for the new GCK 3045 city crane ahead of the launch.
The GCK 3045 has a lifting capacity of 45t; a 34m, six section full-power boom; and an optional twist jib that increases the maximum system length to 45m. The twist jib is fully installed at ground level, reducing problems with working at height and rigging in confined spaces, and can be offset at 5°, 25° and 45°.
There is no additional counterweight on the crane as it has been integrated into the superstructure with the engine acting as counterweight. Manitowoc said other benefits of the crane include a self-stowing hook block, a hydrostatic drive for smoother operation and a compact design.
The 40t capacity TMC 540 truck-mounted crane has a four section, synchronised full-power boom extending to 31m, with a maximum tip height of 33.6m. The crane can be equipped with two swingaway extensions. An offsetable fixed swingaway extension of 7.9m increases the maximum tip height to 41.1m and a 7.9m to 13.7m offsetable telescopic swingaway extension increases the maximum tip height to 47m. Both can be can be offset at 0°, 15° and 30°.
Like the GCK 3045, the counterweight is designed into the structure, with the engine and fuel tank adding additional counterweight.
It has been designed for use as a taxi crane, working several job sites. Manitowoc said the use of a Scania chassis and two engines, one for the superstructure and one for the carrier, bring cost savings to customers, including the potential to save 60% on fuel costs and 10% on labour costs, as there is less need for a specialised technical team to handle faults.
Other parts of the press trip included a demonstration of the CraneSTAR asset management system (see Talking Telematics, Cranes Today, June 2009), a tour of the Gawcott facility and a presentation on Manitowoc’s vision of the global economic future by Bob Hund, vice president of worldwide marketing.
