Grove GMK5250XL-1 extends helping hand to German soccer club VfB Stuttgart
- German crane rental company Gräser-Eschbach used its Grove GMK5250XL-1 all-terrain crane to help with a stadium renovation project.
- Using a crane with a telescopic boom was the only way to lift heavy components into place below the overhanging stadium roof.
- The crane’s MAXbase flexible outrigger option helped navigate space restrictions, counterweight reductions, and the need to extend the 8-section boom to long radii.
A Grove GMK5250XL-1 belonging to German lifting service provider Gräser-Eschbach has completed its final lifts on the €130 million reconstruction of the MHP Arena soccer stadium in Stuttgart, Germany. Home to Bundesliga team VfB Stuttgart, the stadium has been undergoing redevelopment since 2018, although the erection of temporary sections has allowed it to remain operational during this time.
Gräser-Eschbach, based in Bad Schönborn, Germany, had previously used other cranes, but restrictions on this part of the project meant structural components had to be placed underneath the existing 30 m-high roof. The GMK5250XL-1 was the ideal solution for the unique jobsite demands, thanks to a design that combines the longest telescopic boom (78.5 m) on five axles with a small footprint and superb maneuverability.
In addition, space restrictions on the job also meant the crane could only be configured with 50 t of counterweight to maintain a normal vehicle width. But again, this proved no problem, and the crane was set up to deliver the 3.5 t concrete parts to the top of the stadium, at a radius of 54 m. In addition, it was used to place 17 t stair sections at a 26 m radius.
Jens Seim, operator of the GMK5250XL-1 at Gräser-Eschbach, said:
“We had to avoid any risk of damaging the pitch, so we could only extend the outriggers on one side to three-quarters of their full length. However, because of MAXbase, Grove’s variable outrigger positioning system, we were able to maintain maximum capacity even with an asymmetric outrigger positioning. We also used MAXbase to enhance operational security while telescoping those 3.5 t sections. It made the whole task really simple.”
The GMK5250XL-1 was designed to push the boundaries of mobile cranes. This crane’s 78.5 m boom is the longest in its class and includes TWIN-LOCK® boom pinning. Its long boom and high capacities are balanced against a small footprint and stellar maneuverability. The crane’s single-engine design utilizes fuel saver technology, which can lower costs by up to 30% compared to previous Grove five-axle cranes.
The redevelopment at MHP Arena is expected to have a stadium capacity of around 60,000 spectators. It will also add new media and event areas, fan shops, offices, and more.
The Grove GMK5250XL-1 was delivered to Gräser-Eschbach by KranAgentur Werner, which also sold the same company a GMK5120L in 2023. Gräser-Eschbach previously received GMK4090-1, GMK5250XL-1, GMK5150XL, and GMK5120L additions to its fleet between 2022 and 2023.
CONTACT
Anna Theilen
Marketing Communication Specialist
Manitowoc
T +49 4421 294 4632
anna.theilen@manitowoc.com
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GMK5250XL-1
THE LONGEST BOOM ON 5 AXLES
With the longest boom and high capacities combined with a small footprint and excellent maneuverability, the GMK5250XL-1 pushes boundaries. The Grove single-engine design with the latest emission levels reduces the operating costs due to 30% lower diesel consumption compared to previous-generation models.
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GMK5120L
THE LEADER OF THE LIGHT 5 AXLE CRANES
The GMK5120L boosts the versatility of taxi cranes to new levels. The 120 t machine offers an exceptional 66 m main boom and can easily carry a class-leading amount of counterweight – no matter if counterweight configurations for 10 t, 12 t, or 16.5 t per axle are required. This results in great flexibility and low transportation costs.
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GMK4090-1
Compact and strong.
With the new GMK4090-1 you can access narrow jobsites and utilize a more compact radius to gain a better position for lift performance. Its compact size provides excellent jobsite flexibility.
The GMK4090-1 offers outstanding load charts and is outfitted with 10,2 t taxi counterweight on 12 t/axle. The remaining counterweight needed to reach full capacity fits on one standard trailer. -
GMK5150XL
KING OF THE 150 T CLASS
The Grove GMK5150XL all-terrain crane is redefining the five-axle, 150 t class by offering almost 69 m of main boom. The crane’s taxi charts are outstanding, ensuring easy roadability and transport savings.
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GMK5120L
THE LEADER OF THE LIGHT 5 AXLE CRANES
The GMK5120L boosts the versatility of taxi cranes to new levels. The 120 t machine offers an exceptional 66 m main boom and can easily carry a class-leading amount of counterweight – no matter if counterweight configurations for 10 t, 12 t, or 16.5 t per axle are required. This results in great flexibility and low transportation costs.
