At this year?s GIS EXPO, the only Italian trade event for the lifting and heavy transport industries, Manitowoc introduced the new Grove GMK5250L to the nation?s public for the first time. The GMK5250L is the first-ever mobile crane to feature a VIAB turbo retarder clutch. GIS EXPO took place from October 1-3 at the Piacenza Expo center in Piacenza, Italy.

Enrico Angiolini, Sales Director for Manitowoc in South Europe, said that the company has a strong history in Italy and wanted to demonstrate its commitment to the Italian market and its customers.

?Exhibiting at this year?s GIS trade event enabled us to demonstrate our strong commitment to the Italian market and to continue building solid relationships with our customers,? he said.?The event gave us the perfect opportunity to showcase a selection of Manitowoc cranes, including the class-leading GMK5250L.?

The market-leading 250 t capacity GMK5250L has the strongest reach and load chart of any five-axle crane. It also offers the best maneuverability and class-leading driver comfort, which it delivers thanks to its inclusion of the VIAB turbo clutch and integrated retarder. During the event, customers were given a presentation of the new VIAB system.

Manitowoc also gave visitors full details on two more new Grove five-axle all-terrain cranes that launched this year. The new GMK5180-1 and GMK5200-1 cranes share several outstanding features and advantages found on the GMK5250L, as well as an optimised counterweight package for maximum flexibility. The 180 t capacity GMK5180-1 has a maximum counterweight of 50 t, and the 200 t capacity GMK5200-1 has a maximum counterweight of 70 t.

Joining the GMK5250L at the company?s booth at GIS EXPO was the RT550E rough-terrain crane. The RT550E, manufactured at the Manitowoc factory in Niella Tanaro, Italy has 45 t capacity and a class-leading 39 m boom and also the new CCS (Crane Control System) operating technology.

?It?s no secret that recent years have been difficult for the Italian market, but there is still huge potential here and we are seeing some stability returning to the market,? Angiolini said.?We have a strong and loyal customer base in Italy, and we want to help our customers grow their business in preparation for activity levels rising.?