Manitowoc has introduced a new carrier cabin for its Grove three-axle all-terrain cranes, which improves comfort and ergonomics for operators, is ECE R29-3 approved and also meets the latest European crash-test requirements.
The new cab2020, as Grove calls it, is now available on all Grove three-axle all-terrain cranes, the GMK3050-3, GMK3060-2 and GMK3060L-1. Further GMK models will receive the cab2020 and a fresh new look over the coming months.
According to Manitowoc, the cab2020 also makes the exterior of the new three-axle cranes appear more dynamic and closer to the design of their bigger brothers in the Grove all-terrain crane range. The company added that Grove will also continue manufacturing its all-terrain cranes with the compact design the brand is known for, with a width of 2.55m, which makes it easy to access confined job-sites.
According to the manufacturer, space inside the cab2020 is used more efficiently and the sophisticated layout ensures ample room for the cab’s controls, which are clearly arranged. The CCS (Crane Control System) display is positioned slightly higher to ensure it is comfortably and conveniently within the operator’s sight and reach. Buttons and dials are also laid out optimally so that the crane can be handled easily and intuitively, said Manitowoc, adding that the cab2020 comes with premium-quality surfaces for a better look and feel.
The new cab2020 is designed and built based on operator feedback, Manitowoc said, instead of simply upgrading previous carrier cabs, with the designers using new concepts based on close involvement of end-users and customers. Initially, Grove asked users about their personal requirements for a driver’s cab, including their priorities and preferences when driving to the job site. The result of this study led to a prototype model of the cab2020, which was shown on the Manitowoc booth at Bauma 2019 in Munich. Grove’s all-terrain product management team from Wilhelmshaven gathered further first-hand opinions from Bauma visitors, who showed a lot of interest in the prototype during the show. Many took the opportunity to sit in the prototype driver’s cab on the Manitowoc booth and gave their feedback, which was later taken into account when refining and testing the design.
Andreas Cremer, vice president, Product Management, Mobile Cranes, at Manitowoc, said: “It was important for us to retain what was deemed as perfect and tried and tested by crane operators. But by adding the extra bits and pieces, we have achieved real improvements in design and function, which resulted in our new cab2020 becoming the new carrier cab for the smaller range of our Grove all-terrain cranes.”