• Jobsite

Pfeifer Group sends Grove GMK5150XL to handle delicate restoration work on a 200-year-old windmill

  • The Dutch rental company selected its Grove GMK5150XL to replace the 3 t blades on a treasured local landmark in the Achterhoek region of the country.
  • Pfeifer Group selected the GMK5150XL for its precise control and reliable performance.

The Hermien Windmill is a popular local landmark in the small village of Harreveld in the Achterhoek region of The Netherlands. It was recently renovated ahead of its reopening to the public in April 2026. Part of the renovation involved replacing the windmill’s 3 t sail blades, and for this phase of the project, the local crane rental company Pfeifer Group was called in.

For the lifting work, the company selected its GMK5150XL, which was rigged with 12.5 t of counterweight and 55.9 m of main boom. Once configured, the crane was able to position the 3 t blades at a radius of 18 m with ease.

“On this project, the precision of the Crane Control System on the GMK5150XL gave us full confidence in handling the work on such a delicate, historical monument. The crane has excellent reach and strength, and it was straightforward to transport to the jobsite, set up, and then tear down. We are proud to play a role in preserving such an important piece of local history,” said Gerrit Pfeifer, director and owner at Pfeifer Group.

The Hermien Windmill was built in 1819 by a local doctor, JJS van Raesfelt, to provide grain for the local community. Over the years, it has passed through various owners, and today it is owned by a local charity, ‘Hermien Belt-Driven Grain Mill Preservation Foundation’. On its 200th anniversary, in 2019, it was visited by Beatrix of the Netherlands, the country's former queen.

The Grove GMK5150XL has a 68.7 m MEGAFORM® main boom for class-leading strength. It's also designed for easy roadability and transport with excellent taxi-crane configurations, including carrying up to 10.2 t of counterweight while meeting 12 t-per-axle limits. At just 2.75 m wide, the crane is a maneuverable and reliable jobsite performer capable of handling multiple tasks per day.

Pfeifer Group is a long-time owner and user of Grove cranes, with models from 50 t to 300 t capacity. The company received its latest deliveries, which included the GMK5150XL, at the end of last year. Full customer support for all Pfeifer Group’s cranes comes from the local Manitowoc facility in Breda, incorporating parts, service, training, and technical expertise.

CONTACT

Anna Theilen    
Marketing Communication Specialist
Manitowoc    
T +49 4421 294 4632
anna.theilen@manitowoc.com

  • GROVE | All-Terrain Cranes

    GMK5150XL

    KING OF THE 150 T CLASS

    The Grove GMK5150XL all-terrain crane is redefining the five-axle, 150 t class by offering almost 69 m of main boom. The crane’s taxi charts are outstanding, ensuring easy roadability and transport savings.

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    • Nominal capacity 175USt 150t
    • Total gross vehicle weight 132280lbs 60000kg
    • Main boom length 225ft 68.7m
    • Max tip height 325ft 96m
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GROVE

Grove is the world leader in mobile cranes. For nearly a century, Grove has delivered best-in-class performance and groundbreaking technology through its range of rough-terrain, all-terrain, truck-mounted, military, industrial and telescoping crawler cranes.

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All-Terrain Cranes

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