Grove recently introduced the new GRT8100 as a generational update to the rough-terrain RT890E. Walk around the GRT8100 and it is easy to see that the Tier 4 Final 100-ton crane received a lot more than a name change.

“I am very pleased to announce that we are adding a number of Grove’s new GRT8100s to our rental fleet,” said Ben Graham, Kirby-Smith Vice President & Crane Division Manager. “This is a ‘fresh piece of paper’ model that is a totally new platform – not just an upgraded 90-ton crane. The GRT8100 has cutting-edge technology with a number of benefits, including unmatched capacities, optimized productivity and outstanding versatility. We are very excited about this addition to our rental fleet.”

Built for today’s worldwide market, the GRT8100 provides exceptional reach with a main boom that extends up to 154.3 feet and has a maximum tip height of almost 240 feet. With extensions and insert options, it will reach a best-in-class 252 feet. The five-section, full-power MEGAFORM™ boom is lighter and longer than its predecessor and has the ability to lift heavier loads throughout the load chart, allowing users to get unparalleled usage.

It is the only crane in its class to offer a hydraulic luffing boom extension. The bi-fold extension can be configured in 33- to 56-foot lengths. Other optional boom extensions include a 33- to 56-foot manual, offsettable, bi-fold boom with fixed offsets at 0, 20 and 40 degrees, as well as a heavy-duty 9.8-foot jib that can be offset to 40 degrees.

The new GRT8100 also has best-in-class line pulls at more than 17,000 pounds on both the main and auxiliary hoists. The stronger pull results in fewer parts of the line being needed to lift loads, which will lead to increased productivity on the jobsite.

Fast set up and disassembly 

With increased capacity at mid-range and maximum radii, the GRT8100 is more versatile than competitors’ cranes with up to 16-percent-greater capacity at full radius, 13-percent-greater in mid-range applications and 27-percent-greater at close radii. With offsettable boom and fly extensions, the crane enables lifting heavier loads to greater heights, helping companies compete – and win – bids for projects they may not have been able to win previously.

Built for operator comfort

A new boom-extension stowage system for both the GRT8100’s hydraulic and offsettable jib options decreases erection and stowage time by 60 percent, compared with previous-generation Grove cranes. This enables operators to set up and disassemble the crane in less time, saving money and increasing return on investment.

Set up and disassembly takes minutes. The counterweight is hydraulically self-removable and installed by the crane. The inverted counterweight removal cylinders are positioned so that there is no opportunity for water to leach through the seals, or for seals to be degraded due to UV exposure.

“The GRT8100 will surely increase return on investment for customers, because it has a longer boom that is able to lift heavier loads,” said Mike Herbert, Global Product Director of
Rough-Terrain Cranes at Manitowoc. “Also, the hydraulics are designed with efficiency and improved fuel economy in mind. Combined with the heightened reliability improvements brought by our Product Verification Center (PVC), the new crane will enable customers to be more efficient and versatile.”

Grove engineered the cab for operator comfort and productivity with a full-vision design and 20-degree tilt for improved viewing at high boom angles. The tilt/telescoping steering wheel can be positioned for optimum use. It offers three operator-selectable modes of telescoping.

The crane has Manitowoc’s Crane Control System (CCS) in the cab, and it features a user-friendly interface; two full graphic displays mounted vertically for better viewing; and a jog dial for easier navigation and data input. The system allows the electronic controllers to be reprogrammed by the operator for specific speed and reaction. Additionally, CCS offers the new ECO mode to improve fuel efficiency and decrease wear and tear on the powertrain and hydraulic systems.

Manitowoc is introducing CCS on all its new rough-terrain crane models, as well as crawler cranes, all-terrain cranes, boom trucks and tower cranes. The intuitive nature of CCS enables operators to more quickly set up their cranes and go to work. Parts-commonality across Grove and other Manitowoc product lines enhances operator familiarization and serviceability.

“This new Grove model reflects everything we’ve learned in the last decade of crane design,” said Herbert. “Customers will find the new crane more reliable, thanks in part to the advances brought by our PVC. Each component has undergone extensive validation and prototype testing. With that knowledge, we’ve been able to improve the GRT8100 from the
ground up.”