Greif uses Grove GMK4100 to erect solar-powered water tower.

German contractor Greif used its Grove GMK4100 to install thermal storage tanks at the headquarters of 3U AG in Marburg, Germany. The storage tanks form part of a new solar power plant that will supply heat and energy to the head office. Greif worked through the night to avoid working during business hours at the company?s facility. The crane placed three 23 t thermal storage tanks and lifted them at a radius of 11 m. It worked with 27.8 m of boom and a full complement of 26.1 t of counterweight. The GMK4100 is the only crane Greif owns, and Frank Greif, one of the company owners, explained why they selected this model.

?We bought our first crane from the Manitowoc factory in Wilhelmshaven, Germany in the early 70s, when it was owned by Krupp,? he said. ?Since then, we?ve stuck with the brand. This latest GMK4100 has compact dimensions, a proven Megatrak suspension system and strong lift capacities great in tight spaces.? Greif is a family business managed jointly by brothers Michael and Frank Greif that specialises in the installation of prefabricated houses. Their father, Helmut Greif, founded the company in 1965 and is still involved in the business today. Helmut Greif said replacing the company?s older crane at the end of last year was necessary to meet changing market conditions.

?We?ve been in the prefab construction business for nearly 50 years, and obviously much has changed in our industry throughout that time,? he said. ?For instance, we now design and construct much larger prefab sections to incorporate heat insulation into the prefab houses. And the introduction of renewable energy technology into our designs gives us another challenge. But the GMK4100 is a perfect crane for us. So far it?s met all of our expectations.?

The company handles all phases of the prefab house construction process including design, manufacture and installation. Greif is based in Lahntal-Sterzhausen, in central Germany. It purchased its Grove GMK4100 through Manitowoc agent KranAgentur Werner. The Grove GMK4100 all-terrain crane has a maximum capacity of 100 t and a main boom of 52 m. With a jib, the maximum combination is 82 m. The
four-axle Grove GMK4100 has all the standard Grove features, including twin-lock boom pinning, the Megaform boom shape, and Megatrak independent suspension system.