Tadano GR-550EX

The Tadano GR-550EX is a robust and versatile rough terrain crane launched to fill the capacity gap between Tadano’s GR-300EX (30-tonne) and GR-700EXL (70-tonne) models. This 55-tonne capacity crane debuted at Bauma Munich 2007 and offers enhanced lifting performance and operational flexibility in tight spaces and rugged job sites.

The crane features a 5-section, fully synchronized telescoping round boom made from hexagonal box construction, offering a retracted length of 11.1 m and extending hydraulically to 42.0 m. The boom extension process is facilitated by two telescope cylinders, extension cables, and hydraulic holding valves, completing the extension to 30.9 m in just 128 seconds. A 2-stage bi-fold swing-away jib adds further flexibility, with lengths of 9.9 m and 17.7 m, capable of triple offset positions (3.5°, 25°, 45°) for various working angles.

The GR-550EX is equipped with both main and auxiliary winches, each offering a line pull of 54.9 kN and spin-resistant wire ropes—227 m for the main winch and 133 m for the auxiliary. The main winch delivers a line speed of 147 m/min (4th layer), while the auxiliary reaches up to 126 m/min (2nd layer). Swing is driven hydraulically with a 360° continuous swing and a swing speed of 2.5 min⁻¹. Elevation of the boom ranges from -1.4° to 80.5° in 77 seconds via double-acting hydraulic cylinder.

Hydraulically operated H-type outriggers provide stable support, with four extension width levels—maximum extension reaching 7,200 mm. Each cylinder is fitted with pilot check valves, and the crane features width detection sensors to monitor outrigger positioning.

Powering the GR-550EX is a rear-mounted Mitsubishi 6M60-TLU3B EuroMot Stage IIIA, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine rated at 200 kW (272 PS) at 2,600 min⁻¹ and maximum torque of 785 N·m at 1,400 min⁻¹. This drives a full automatic transmission with six forward and two reverse speeds through torque converter control. The axle configuration supports 4×2 or 4×4 drive options for better off-road performance. Suspension is rigid at the front and pivot-mounted with hydraulic lockout at the rear.

Steering versatility is enhanced with four selectable modes: 2-wheel front, 2-wheel rear, 4-wheel coordinated, and 4-wheel crab. The 4-wheel steering achieves a minimum turning radius of just 6.7 m, making the GR-550EX highly maneuverable in confined workspaces.

Safety and operational efficiency are backed by Tadano’s AML-L moment limiter, which provides visual and audible overload warnings, along with crane motion cutout. It displays nine functional parameters on a digital LCD panel including boom/jib angles, load height, radius, swing, and more.

The crane’s cab is one-sided with wide visibility, sliding door access, safety glass, and an adjustable operator seat with armrests. Both crane and drive operations are controlled from this single cab. Control is through four levers and additional pedals, offering smooth and ergonomic handling of all crane functions.

With an overall length of 13.7 m, width of 3.3 m, and height of 3.86 m, and a gross vehicle mass of 43,050 kg, the Tadano GR-550EX provides a compact, efficient, and powerful lifting solution suitable for a wide range of lifting applications globally.