Grove GHC50 Load Chart PDF + Specifications

The Grove GHC50 was introduced as one of the smaller-capacity models within Grove’s telescopic crawler crane lineup, targeting contractors seeking a highly transportable crane that could be delivered to a jobsite on a single truck. Developed to provide exceptional maneuverability in confined areas while maintaining substantial lifting capability, the crane combines hydraulic telescopic boom technology with a crawler undercarriage capable of full pick-and-carry operation. Its compact transport dimensions and easy assembly have made it popular in transmission line construction, foundation work, industrial maintenance, and general construction projects.

The Grove GHC50 features a four-section, full-power, synchronized telescopic boom extending from 9.4 m to 30.4 m (30 ft 10 in to 99 ft 9 in). The boom can telescope under load, allowing operators to adjust boom length during lifting operations without needing to lower the load. This greatly improves productivity in applications where varying radii and lifting heights are encountered throughout the day. The standard boom provides a maximum tip height of 32.6 m (107 ft).

For additional reach, the crane is equipped with a standard 6.5 m lattice swingaway extension that can be offset at either 0° or 40°. This extension increases maximum tip height to 39.3 m (129 ft). An optional bi-fold extension can be installed together with the standard extension, creating a total extension length of 13 m (42 ft 8 in) and increasing maximum tip height to 45.4 m (149 ft). This flexibility enables the crane to perform utility pole erection, industrial maintenance, and light structural installation work that requires greater hook height than the main boom alone can provide.

A major advantage of the GHC50 is its ability to transport to the jobsite in a single load. Once on site, hydraulically extendable crawler frames provide three operating widths, allowing operators to optimize stability while maintaining compact transport dimensions. The machine can work on inclinations up to 4 degrees while carrying loads and offers full 100% pick-and-carry capability, a significant advantage over conventional truck cranes and rough-terrain cranes when moving materials around large construction sites.

The crawler undercarriage utilizes hydraulically extendable side frames fitted with heavy-duty 900 mm maintenance-free triple-bar track shoes. Track gauge can be adjusted from 2.60 m to 4.10 m, providing excellent flexibility between transport and lifting configurations. Travel is provided by a two-speed hydrostatic drive system that supports skid steering and counter-rotation, giving the crane outstanding maneuverability in restricted work areas. Maximum travel speeds are 1.37 km/h in low range and 2.49 km/h in high range, while theoretical gradeability reaches 70%.

The upper structure incorporates a hydraulically powered slewing system driven through planetary gearing. The crane delivers variable swing speeds from 0 to 2 rpm with continuous 360-degree rotation. The boom elevation system uses a double-acting hydraulic cylinder with integrated holding valves and provides boom angles from -6° to 80°. The load-sensing hydraulic system utilizes a variable displacement piston pump delivering up to 315 l/min at a maximum pressure of 330 bar, ensuring smooth and precise operation.

Hoisting duties are handled by two-speed planetary hoists powered by axial piston hydraulic motors. Maximum first-layer line pull reaches 6,455 kg, while permissible single-line pull is 4,990 kg. The crane uses 16 mm rotation-resistant wire rope with a maximum single-line speed of 122 m/min and standard rope length of 170 m. These specifications provide excellent line speed and lifting efficiency for utility and industrial applications.

Power is supplied by a Cummins QSB 4.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine. For North American markets, the Tier 4 Final version produces 129 kW (173 hp) at 2,500 rpm and incorporates DOC and SCR after-treatment systems. Markets outside North America are offered a Tier 3 version producing 119 kW (160 hp) at 2,200 rpm. Fuel capacity is 360 litres, complemented by a 38-litre DEF tank on Tier 4 machines.

Operator comfort was a major design focus. The spacious cab includes an air-suspension heated seat, ergonomic dual-axis joystick controls, climate control, integrated rated capacity limiter, anti-two-block system, and a 7-inch display supporting multiple camera views. To improve visibility when working with long booms and extensions, the cab can tilt up to 15 degrees, reducing operator fatigue during overhead lifting operations.

With a fully equipped operating configuration including the 30.4 m boom, 6.5 m extension, dual hoists, hook block, and 8.9-tonne counterweight package, the GHC50 has an operating weight of approximately 45,770 kg. Ground bearing pressure remains exceptionally low at approximately 0.53 kg/cm², making the crane suitable for soft ground conditions where heavier conventional cranes may struggle.