Grove GHC30 Load Chart PDF + Specifications

The Grove GHC30 was officially launched by Manitowoc in 2018 as the first model in Grove’s telescopic crawler crane family. The crane made its public debut during the 2018 Crane Days event at Manitowoc’s Shady Grove facility in Pennsylvania, USA.

The introduction of the GHC30 marked Grove’s entry into the growing telescopic crawler crane market, offering contractors a machine that combined the transport simplicity of a hydraulic crane with the rough-terrain mobility and pick-and-carry capabilities traditionally associated with crawler cranes. The model later became the foundation for the development of the larger GHC55, GHC85, GHC110, GHC140 and eventually the GHC220.

The Grove GHC30 was engineered to provide contractors with a highly transportable telescopic crawler crane capable of working efficiently in confined jobsites and challenging ground conditions. Unlike traditional lattice boom crawler cranes that require multiple truckloads and lengthy assembly procedures, the GHC30 can be delivered to a project in a single load and be ready for operation in a very short time. Its relatively low ground-bearing pressure and compact dimensions make it particularly suitable for utility work, bridge maintenance, foundation construction, power distribution projects, and general lifting applications where access is restricted.

The crane is built around a synchronized three-section full-power telescopic boom extending from 10.0 m to 25.2 m (33 ft to 83 ft). Because it is a full-power boom, telescoping can be performed under load, enhancing operational flexibility. The standard boom provides a maximum tip height of 27.1 m (89 ft). For applications requiring additional reach, Grove offers a 6.5 m (21 ft 4 in) lattice swingaway extension or a 13 m (42 ft 8 in) bi-fold swingaway extension. Both can be offset manually at 0° or 40°, increasing maximum tip height to 40.2 m (132 ft).

A key feature of the GHC30 is its ability to perform 100% pick-and-carry operations. The robust crawler undercarriage allows the crane to travel with suspended loads while maintaining full chart capacities. The machine is also rated for operation on slopes up to 4 degrees, making it well suited for uneven terrain and utility corridor work. Hydraulically extendable crawler frames provide three track gauges, allowing operators to balance transport width with lifting stability.

The upper structure is equipped with a 5,000 kg (11,025 lb) counterweight package that includes two removable 400 kg counterweight inserts. At minimum radius, the crane achieves its full rated capacity of 30 tonnes (30 USt). The rated capacity limiter and anti-two-block system continuously monitor crane configuration, boom length, boom angle, working radius, and load moment while providing audible and visual warnings to the operator.

Power for lifting operations comes from a hydraulic system utilizing a variable-displacement piston pump combined with a two-section gear pump. The system delivers a maximum flow of 315 l/min (83.2 gpm) and operates at pressures up to 330 bar (4,786 psi). Hydraulic functions are electronically controlled through load-sensing circuitry for smooth and efficient operation.

The hoisting system uses a planetary-drive hydraulic winch with a maximum first-layer line pull of 4,309 kg (9,500 lb), a permissible single-line pull of 3,500 kg (7,716 lb), and line speeds up to 113 m/min (371 ft/min). Rotation-resistant 14 mm wire rope is used, with up to 160 m (525 ft) available on the main hoist.

Slewing is provided by a two-speed planetary gear drive powered by a hydraulic motor. The swing system offers infinitely variable speeds from 0 to 2.2 rpm and continuous 360-degree rotation through a sealed externally geared slewing ring. This swing speed is relatively fast for a crane of this class and contributes to its productivity in repetitive lifting operations.

The GHC30 is powered by a Cummins QSB 4.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine. In North America, the crane is equipped with a Tier 4 Final-compliant version producing 173 hp (129 kW) at 2,500 rpm using DOC and SCR aftertreatment systems. Markets outside North America received a Tier 3 version rated at 160 hp (119 kW) at 2,200 rpm. Fuel capacity is 95 gallons (360 L), supplemented by a 10-gallon (38 L) DEF tank on Tier 4 models.

The lower carriage employs hydraulically extendable crawler frames fitted with 700 mm (28 in) triple-bar maintenance-free track shoes. Gauge widths range from 2.30 m (7.5 ft) retracted to 3.80 m (12.5 ft) extended. Travel is provided through a two-speed hydrostatic drive system capable of skid steering and counter-rotation, allowing exceptional maneuverability in confined jobsites. Maximum travel speed reaches 3 km/h (1.86 mph), while theoretical gradeability is rated at 70 percent.

Operator comfort was also a major design consideration. The cab features a heated air-suspension seat, climate control system, Bluetooth radio, multiple camera displays, and a 15-degree hydraulic tilt function that improves visibility during high-angle boom operations. Ergonomically arranged dual-axis joysticks and excellent visibility contribute to reduced operator fatigue throughout long workdays.

The crane’s versatility is further enhanced by several factory options, including auger packages for foundation work, pole claw systems for utility applications, personnel baskets, radio remote controls, and cold-weather packages for operation in temperatures down to -40°C.