UK’s Wire Cranes continues growth trajectory with Grove additions
- Grove five-axle GMK5150XL and GMK5250XL-1 models join the growing fleet of Wire Cranes to serve projects across the UK.
- Industry-leading customer support from Manitowoc helps Wire Cranes deliver first-class service to customers.
Wire Cranes is continuing to make its mark in the UK crane rental industry with the addition of two new Grove all-terrain cranes. The company has added a GMK5150XL and a GMK5250XL-1, helping it handle more work and expand into heavy-lift applications as demand grows.
“We’re a young company, but our standards, investment, and ambition have been clear from day one. Our modern and versatile fleet provides customers with a one-stop solution, and the addition of the GMK5150XL and GMK5250XL-1 is another big step forward. As a business, we believe in investing in the right equipment, people, and support to ensure we deliver for our customers,” said Andy Unsworth, managing director at Wire Cranes.
The first job for the GMK5150XL was supporting construction on a precast-concrete project, where it demonstrated its speed, strength, and versatility. For the GMK5250XL-1, the first project was at a local industrial plant, where it supported ongoing site expansion, underscoring its capability for large-contract lifting and major project work.
Wire Cranes specified the new Grove cranes with a host of additional features to ensure maximum flexibility and performance. Added options include the MAXbase™ system for asymmetrical outrigger positioning for greater set-up flexibility and bi-fold swingaway jibs for higher reach.
The GMK5150XL is a class leader, with a 68.7 m main boom – the longest for a 150 t mobile crane on a five-axle chassis. The GMK5250XL-1 redefines the limits of five-axle mobile cranes. Its 78.5 m long boom is the longest in its class and can reach a tip height of up to 109 m with optional jib and boom extensions.
“We chose these cranes because they offer a perfect balance of roadability, reach, capacity, and flexibility. The GMK5150XL is one of the best taxi cranes ever built. It can travel with up to 30.9 t of counterweight, offering reach and fast mobilization. The GMK5250XL-1 allows us to make a major step up in capability. We can travel with up to 21 t of counterweight and work with up to 80 t. It’s so strong but also compact, which helps us do more for customers,” added Andy Unsworth.
With the arrival of the two Grove cranes, Wire Cranes has added four new units in less than six months. The company is based in Warrington in the north of England but serves customers across the UK. Manitowoc’s UK office supplied the cranes and is also providing aftermarket support via its service facilities in Buckingham and Barnsley.
“Aftermarket care is very important to us. When you invest in a crane, the equipment is only part of the decision. Uptime, parts, technical help, and our relationship with the manufacturer are all crucial. Manitowoc has supported us at every step, giving us confidence as we grow our fleet of Grove cranes. Customers choose Wire Cranes because they know we can deliver, so we need the same reliability, communication, and support from partners like Manitowoc,” concluded Andy Unsworth.
CONTACT
Anna Theilen
Marketing Communication Specialist
Manitowoc
T +49 4421 294 4632
anna.theilen@manitowoc.com
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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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GMK5250XL-1
THE LONGEST BOOM ON 5 AXLES
With the longest boom and high capacities combined with a small footprint and excellent maneuverability, the GMK5250XL-1 pushes boundaries. The Grove single-engine design with the latest emission levels reduces the operating costs due to 30% lower diesel consumption compared to previous-generation models.
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Features
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.
All-Terrain Cranes
Grove all-terrain cranes are manufactured to the highest quality in the Wilhelmshaven factory, Germany. This facility, specializing in lean manufacturing techniques and complying with ISO9001 quality standards, is constantly developing processes to optimize reliability and durability through continuous improvement.
