Manitowoc Cranes wins $192m US Army supply deal
Customised Grove GMK4100B cranes to be supplied over five years
Manitowoc Cranes has won a $192 million contract to supply customised Grove all-terrain cranes to the US Army. Customised GMK4100B cranes will be supplied to the army over five years, with a two-year option at its completion that would bring the total supply deal to $258m.
Customisations to the crane, which were specified by the military, include the ability to ford water up to 1.2m (48 inches) and operate pile driver, clamshell, concrete-bucket and concrete-barrier lifting attachments.
A crew-protection system will also be installed to provide safeguards for soldiers operating or driving the cranes. Each crane will be painted in Army colors and have the capability to be fitted with armor.
The modified GMK4100B will have a 54.4 tonne (60 USt) capacity and feature a 33.9m (108 ft) boom, and is built with a 390hp Mercedes engine and a 8x6x8 drive system. A two-step transfer case increases agility at low speeds.
The customised GMK4100Bs will be built and tested at Manitowoc’s factory in Shady Grove, Pennsylvania. The first deliveries are anticipated to be between one and two years from now.
Primarily, the Engineer Brigades division of the US Army will operate the unique cranes, but other branches of the military will be able to procure similar units.
“We’ve been working on this opportunity for more than four years, and this tender award is a testament to our unparalleled focus in delivering the best return on investment for the customer,” said Darryl Mellott, director of government marketing for Manitowoc Cranes.
“The US Army had direct input on the customization of these 60 USt capacity Grove GMK4100Bs, which will be optimized for their missions around the world.”
Manitowoc will also design and build a simulator for the cranes that will enable soldiers to train without having to use the cranes themselves. The company will provide field representatives to the military that can offer field-level support at any time, anywhere in the world through its Crane Care service.
“These cranes will be especially transportable, reflecting the nimble maneuverability of the US military,” Mellott said.
