Tadano GR-1100EX

In March 2017, Tadano extended its rough terrain crane lineup with the introduction of the GR-1200XL (North American designation) and GR-1100EX (global designation), debuting the crane at the Conexpo construction trade show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from March 7th to 11th. The GR-1100EX marked a significant milestone as Tadano’s largest 2-axle rough terrain crane, offering a maximum lifting capacity of 120 US tons (110 metric tons).

At the core of this crane’s performance is its six-section round box construction main boom, which measures from 12.0 meters (39.4 ft) fully retracted to 56.0 meters (183.7 ft) fully extended. Boom telescoping is controlled by a single hydraulic cylinder, with a smooth extension speed of 44 meters in 340 seconds. The boom elevation system operates between -1.5° and 81°, facilitated by a double-acting hydraulic cylinder equipped with automatic speed reduction and slow stop functionality, ensuring precise and safe handling during critical lifts.

For additional versatility, the GR-1100EX is equipped with a two-stage bi-fold lattice-type jib, measuring 10.1 meters and 17.7 meters with offset angles of 3.5°, 25°, and 45°, enabling a variety of lifting scenarios and extended reach configurations. A single auxiliary lifting sheave, mounted on the boom head, is also available for single-line hoisting work.

Powering the crane is a robust Mitsubishi 6M60-TLU3R diesel engine delivering 200 kW (267 hp) at 2600 rpm, producing a peak torque of 785 Nm at 1400 rpm. This engine, compliant with modern emission standards, drives an electronically controlled full automatic transmission with five forward and two reverse speeds, enabling travel speeds up to 19 km/h. The drivetrain features selectable 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive modes, with four steering configurations — 2-wheel front, 2-wheel rear, 4-wheel coordinated, and 4-wheel crab — allowing precise maneuverability even in tight work areas.

The slewing mechanism offers continuous 360-degree rotation at 1.5 rpm, powered by a hydraulic axial piston motor through a planetary speed reducer. Both the main and auxiliary winches are powered by variable-speed hydraulic motors, each providing a maximum single-line pull of 97 kN, using 19 mm diameter non-rotating wire rope. The main winch carries 235 meters of rope, while the auxiliary winch carries 158 meters, ensuring ample line length for deep or high lifts.

A key highlight of the GR-1100EX is Tadano’s AML-C (Automatic Moment Limiter) system, providing real-time monitoring of crucial parameters including load weight, boom length, boom angle, and load radius. This advanced system features audible and visual overload warnings, automatic crane motion cut-offs, and integrated outrigger monitoring, enhancing operator confidence and overall site safety.

The crane’s operator cab is engineered for comfort and control, offering a 15-degree tilt capability, wide visibility, air conditioning, adjustable operator seat, and user-friendly interface integrating critical machine diagnostics and the AML-C display. Inside, the operator has precise joystick controls for swing, boom hoisting, boom telescoping, and winch functions, with foot-operated pedals for boom elevation and throttle, enabling seamless multitasking and fine movement control.

Supporting the superstructure is a high-tensile steel mono-box chassis mounted on two axles, fitted with large 29.5–25 34PR tires. The suspension system combines rigid front axle mounting and rear axle pivot mounting with hydraulic lockout, offering stability while driving or during lifts. For maximum lifting precision, the crane uses four hydraulic outriggers extending up to 7.3 meters center-to-center with 0.6-meter diameter floats.

Since its introduction, the Tadano GR-1100EX has proven itself across construction, energy, and infrastructure projects worldwide. Its combination of lifting capacity, modern operator aids, advanced safety systems, and maneuverability makes it a preferred choice for contractors needing reliable performance in rough terrain conditions.