News Release

August 3, 2005

Grove’s Long Reach Helps China’s Energy Boom

A typical project for CLETC’s GMK6220-L saw it dispatched to the island of Changdao in Shangdong Province for work placing a wind turbine.

As the popularity of wind power continues to grow, energy contractors are looking to the crane industry for lifting solutions to help not only with the assembly of bigger wind turbines, but also in more remote locations. One company providing those solutions is Manitowoc Crane Group which has several all-terrains from its Grove GMK line and crawler cranes from its Manitowoc line which are perfectly suited to this type of work.

One such crane is the 220 t Grove GMK6220-L (which is rated at 250 USt and known as the GMK6250 in the US). It features a six-section boom measuring an impressive 72 m (236 ft) fully extended. Chinese rental company CLETC, based in Tianjin City, is one company which owns one of the long-reach lifters and has seen its workload increase since taking delivery of this versatile all-terrain crane.. 

A typical project for CLETC’s GMK6220-L saw it dispatched to the island of Changdao in Shangdong Province for work placing a wind turbine. The lift was commissioned by local energy company Shandong Changdao Wind Power Co Ltd. To make the lift, the crane had to undertake a 600 km (370 mile) journey that also included a two hour trip by ferry.

Once at the site, access was tight for the six-axle crane, but the combination of all-wheel steer and MEGATRAK suspension meant the all-terrain was able to set-up where other cranes weren’t able. The crane needed to lift the 38 t generating unit into position using its full complement of 72 m (236 ft) boom and equipped with its full 70 t (77 USt) of counterweight.

CLETC is a growing rental company in Tianjin which is focusing on the larger end of the lifting market. At present it has four all-terrain cranes in its fleet, three of which are from Grove. In addition to its GMK6220-L, the company owns a 300 t GMK6300 (rated at 350 USt and known as the GMK6350 in the US) and one of the manufacturer’s flagship units, the 450 t GMK7450 (rated at 550 USt and known as the GMK7550 in the US).

Wind turbine projects are on the rise in China as part of the Law on Renewable Sources which requires local energy companies to purchase as much of their power as possible from renewable sources such as wind, solar and thermal energy providers. Although the new law will not take effect until 2006, many companies are committing resources towards renewable energy to be ready for next year.

High Resolution Photograph (1 MB)

About The Manitowoc Company
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. is one of the world's largest providers of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes,tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes, and boom trucks. As a leading manufacturer of ice-cube machines, ice/beverage dispensers, and commercial refrigeration equipment, the company offers the broadest line of cold-focused equipment for the foodservice industry. In addition, the company is a leading provider of shipbuilding, ship repair, and conversion services for government, military, and commercial customers throughout the U.S. maritime industry.

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