- Mobile crane hire and contract lifting specialist John Sutch Cranes is the first Manitowoc customer in the UK to receive its new Grove GMK5200-1 all-terrain crane.
- Attracted by the GMK5200-1 crane’s versatility and compact size, the Liverpool-headquartered business purchased the five-axle all-terrain crane based on its previous success with the GMK5250L.
- John Sutch Cranes already has a first job lined up for the GMK5200-1 and expects it to be a busy addition to the company’s 36-strong fleet, particularly for assembling small tower cranes.
When heavy crane driver John Sutch bought his first crane in 1990, his vision was to be part of a new generation of crane companies, offering the most modern fleets along with the highest levels of service and technical excellence.
Today, his company, John Sutch Cranes, has grown to become one of England’s leading mobile crane hire and contract lifting specialists, completing major projects across the country, and employing 85 staff at sites in Liverpool and Manchester.
Maintaining the highest standards requires regular renewal of the company’s 36-strong crane fleet, hence John Sutch Cranes’ recent investment in a Grove GMK5200-1. The family-run business is the first Manitowoc customer in the UK to receive the new five-axle 200 t all-terrain Grove crane.
“We felt confident placing an order for the GMK5200-1 because we already have a GMK5250L, which has been very successful for us,” John Sutch explained. “The GMK5250L is a very busy crane and people really like it. It gets there quick and is quick to set up. It’s great for erecting tower cranes.”
“The GMK5200-1 looks very similar to the GMK5250L and is just as driver friendly and compact but it’s a bit smaller,” he continued. “It runs with an interchangeable ballast and can go up and down the range, which means it’s more versatile for our fleet.
We will be able to use it on most 100, 130 and 200 t capacity jobs.”
Compact and versatile
The 200-tonne capacity GMK5200-1 features a 64 m six-section main boom, which can be combined with an optional 18 m swingaway jib and either one or two 8 m inserts for a total possible jib length of 34 m.
The five outrigger positions likewise enhance the flexibility of the crane, enabling it to fit in tighter spaces.
The counterweight slabs are interchangeable with those of John Sutch Cranes’ existing GMK5250L, as well as the GMK5180, GMK5250XL-1 and GMK6300L-1 in the Grove all-terrain range, helping owners to get more out of their crane, improving logistics and reducing transportation costs.
The self-rigging auxiliary hoist also saves time and money by eliminating the need for an assist crane during on-site rigging.
Outstanding roadability
When travelling to the job site, the GMK5200-1 can taxi with 21 t within 16.5 t axle loadings.
The VIAB turbo retarder clutch ensures efficient driving, exceptional maneuverability and smooth creeping, thanks to the all-in-one turbo coupling and integrated retarder system.
VIAB combines wear-free starting, manoeuvring and braking as well as efficient driving with automated manual transmission. This prevents the clutch from overheating and burning, reducing maintenance costs.
The GMK5200-1 also features Manitowoc’s patented MEGATRAK independent suspension and all-wheel steer system which enables ground clearance of up to 600 mm. MEGATRAK ensures each wheel remains on the ground at all times, keeping stresses and weight evenly distributed for a smooth ride.
Seamless service
But it wasn’t just the GMK5200-1 model’s features that convinced John Sutch Cranes.
“For us it’s about the product and the relationship,” John said. “Jim Leishman [sales manager at Manitowoc UK] reassured us we would be well looked after and we have been. The service from Manitowoc has been absolutely spot on. We can’t fault it.”
John Sutch Cranes’ new GMK5200-1 entered the company’s fleet at the beginning of July and was hired out for its first job, lifting tanks and pipework at a chemical plant in Liverpool, the very next day.
“We have been very impressed by the modern design and interchangeable ballast so far and expect the GMK5200-1 to be another very busy and successful crane for us,” John concluded.
