TEN years after it completed a 254 unit order for the US army, Grove has now begun a programme of rebuilding these cranes.
Grove won a contract in 1986 to supply 40 US ton rough terrains to the US Army Tank, Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). Shipping began in 1989 and the final unit was delivered in 1991.
The cranes were RT 875CC (Container Crane) models, which were modified versions of the 75 ton-rated RT 875. They were configured with a two-section boom and designed as a 40 ton (36t) machine to lift, load and unload containers in a specified weight and lifting radius range.
TACOM has turned again to Grove to lengthen the life of these machines by a further 10 to 15 years. Grove’s first step was a survey of 28 machines in the field last year to demonstrate to TACOM the viability of re-build instead of replacement. The outcome resulted in a pilot programme to establish procedures and costs to rebuild the fleet.
Since the Shady Grove plant is designed for building new units and is not set up for rebuilding, Grove is partnering with another unit of the US Army, the Letterkenny Depot, in nearby Chambersburg, PA. In the pilot programme, Grove personnel are doing a complete tear down and rebuild of two machines.
Letterkenny personnel are acting as consultants to write the processes and procedures for the rebuild programme, Service Life Extension Programme (SLEP), so it can be accurately costed. The SLEP pilot programme is planned to be completed in September and then rebuilds on approximately 180 to 200 machines, or perhaps even more, will begin at Letterkenny with army personnel doing the actual work. Grove will provide management assistance, do all cylinder rebuilds in its hydraulic cylinder facility, and supply all parts.
Grove has supplied more than 800 specialised commercial cranes to the military, but this is the first time it has worked with the army to establish rebuild programmes.
