UK-BASED Grove says that it has again raised the bar with the introduction of the new RT9000E, a 115 tonne capacity rough terrain (RT) crane.
Up until now, the largest regular production model rough terrain crane available on the market was Grove's RT9100 at 90 tonnes.
The new RT9000E will compete strongly with conventional crawler cranes and offers high capacity together with exceptional mobility, manoeuvrability and pick-and-carry capabilities not previously available on the job site, according to the company.
Grove expects the crane to be a popular choice for work in power and chemical plants, refineries and any other large construction projects.
The crane features a five section, full power 12.8 to 48.7m MEGAFORM (U-shaped) boom which provides 52m maximum tip height on the main boom and 1.71 tonne lift capacity at 36.6m maximum radius.
A standard 11 to 18m lattice bi-fold extension is off-settable at 0 deg, 20 deg and 40 deg and stows alongside the base boom section. An optional 0 to 40 deg hydraulically off-settable bi-fold swingaway with the same dimensions is also available. In addition, two 8m lattice extension inserts are also available, providing a maximum tip height of 85m.
Grove RT crane users will feels at home in the cab as it is common to all Grove E-series RT cranes, says the company. The cab provides unique 20 deg tilt and is a full-vision design with tinted safety glass throughout.
Familiar Grove armrest-mounted single-axis controllers provide precise operational control. Some of the other standard features include a hot water heater, cab circulating air fan, siding side and rear windows, sliding skylight with electric wiper and adjustable sun screen. Air conditioning is available.
A 'Graphic Display' load moment and anti-two block system with audio visual warning and control lever lockout is standard.
These systems provide electronic display of boom angle, length, radius, tip height, relative load moment, maximum permissible load, load indication and warning of impending two-block conditions.
A standard Work Area Definition System allows the operator to pre-select and define safe working areas. If the crane approaches the pre-set limits, audio-visual warnings aid the operator in avoiding job site obstructions.
Controls and indicators are provided for cab tilt, two swing speed selections and brake. A full complement of gauges is provided for engine functions. Other standard equipment includes dual rear view mirrors, electronic back-up alarm, hoist mirrors and a light package.
The RT9000E is powered by a Cummins QSC8.3L six cylinder diesel rated at 300 bhp (224kW) @ 2,200RPM. The full powershift transmission provides six forward and three reverse speeds. Maximum speed is 39 kmh. Four main steering modes provide exceptional manoeuvrability: front only, rear only, crab and coordinated. Automatic full hydraulic lockouts on the rear axle permits 250 mm oscillation with the boom centred over the front.
The outrigger system uses hydraulic single-stage box beam outriggers with inverted jacks and integral holding valves. These outrigger positions are provided: retracted, 50 per cent and 100 per cent extension. Outrigger boxes are hydraulicaly pinned and are quick disconnect for easy removal and installation for transport purposes.
The unit is designed for very easy transport and the standard 10.9 tonne counterweight as well as the optional 7.26 tonne counterweights which consist of two 3.63 tonne sections are all hydraulically installed and removed.
Other features include a quick-reeving boom nose and a removeable auxilliary boom nose with removeable pin type rope guard. Full aluminium decking is provided as well as hook block stowage and tie-down lugs.
Grove grooved drum main and auxilliary hoists are used and hook block and top swivel are standard.
Dimensions of the RT9000E are: overall length 16.15m, overall height 4.14m and overall width 3.8m. Chassis length is 9.7m with outrigger boxes, and 8.13m without.
