Manitowoc has just unveiled its latest rough-terrain crane, the 120 US ton GRT 8120. It is the latest in its GRT line that has grown in popularity due to their reliability and versatility on job sites. It will be displayed at ConExpo 2020 in March, along with five other new models that will be introduced at the show, some making their North American debuts.
The new GRT8120 features the longest boom and strongest load charts in its class, along with a new compact carrier design with flat decking for improved manoeuvrability, serviceability and job site access. Combined, these features make the crane ideal for work in the petrochemical, construction and wind power industries, among others.
John Bair, product manager for rough-terrain cranes at Manitowoc, said the crane’s features were largely driven by market demand, reflecting The Manitowoc Way, which is Manitowoc’s operating system that focuses on a commitment to innovation and velocity that fulfil customers’ needs.
“Many of our customers wanted to fill a void in the 120 USt class, and also increase their crane utilization with easier transportability, greater reach and capacity, and improved access for serviceability,” he said. “We were able to accomplish this through an all-new carrier design along with several other new features debuting on this crane. We’re happy to say that the 197-ft boom length and strong load charts put this crane at the top of its class.”
Based largely off the success of the GRT8100, the GRT8120 has a capacity of 120 USt (120 t) and a 197 ft (60 m) main boom with 265 ft (80.8 m) max height when equipped with the 57.6 ft (17.6 m) bi-fold swing-away extension that comes in either manual or hydraulically offsettable configurations. Also new to the GRT8120 is the MAXbase asymmetrical outrigger system for ultimate versatility in job site setups. This feature, combined with the lightweight, compact carrier and long boom, make this crane ideal for congested job sites that require maximum reach. A new, wider, full-vision cab with 20° tilt maximizes operator comfort and visibility. From an operational perspective, the GRT8120 features the Boom Configurator mode that simplifies telescoping of the boom and provides onboard lift planning.
The new crane has a full LED lighting package with new side-mounted carrier work lights, and the design improves upon previous crane models with increased storage and improved accessibility for servicing. Combined with its compact dimensions and its lightweight gross vehicle weight, the crane will have easy transport to job sites, need minimal job site preparation and provide exceptional manoeuvrability, which should increase utilization rates for many users. On the job site, it has a 15 mph (24.1 km/h) travel speed with full counterweight.
“For the GRT8120 we were also able to add smart sensing outrigger cylinders in lieu of string pots that, along with nearly every component on the crane, were tested well past industry standards at our Product Verification Center to ensure reliability on the job site,” Bair said. “We’ve also added a wireless, handheld rigging remote for quick and easy set up on site. And of course, this crane is outfitted with the CCS Crane Control System that improves efficiency and reduces training time.”
