The Grove GMK3055 offers a 60-ton maximum capacity on a compact, three-axle carrier. The crane features a six-section boom, automatic transmission, and 349 HP engine. The operator cab advantages include tinted safety glass, acoustical lining, fully adjustable seat, and armrest integrated crane controls.  This three axel all wheel steering, rough terrain, crane weighs 79,000 lbs, has a main boom of 141 ft., and a maximum tip height of 191 ft.

The Grove GMK3055 is truly an international machine.  Recently, it took a four week tour of The Netherlands to show crane users in that country exactly what it could do.  According to Looking Up Magazine, The Manitowoc Crane Group Magazine, "Starting out from the Manitowoc Crane Group
Breda facility in The Netherlands the crane completed a road trip covering more than 2000 km (1200 miles), over three weeks, and taking in most of the major commercial and industrial centers. Some 40 customers were visited, which gave each of them the chance to operate the crane on their own premises or job site, and to compare its performance with other similarly rated cranes."

THE MODEL

This model comes well packed and almost assembled.  It takes less than five minutes to assemble the model.  Packaged with the model is a booklet explaining features, mounting configuration, specifications, capacities, and dimensions of the actual crane. 

The operators cab features a detailed interior with wipers on the top and front windshield.  The operator's chair and armrest integrated controls look authentic.  Easily missed is the handrail that runs the length of the operator cab.  The graphics surrounding the operator cab are clear and crisp.  The operator's cab pivots 20 degrees, adding more functionality to this great model.

Behind the operator's cab is a tool box with the GMK3055 graphic clearly displayed. 

Click on photo to enlarge

The rear of the model has detailed, non-removable counter weights and a spare tire.  The graphics displayed on the counter weights are clear and crisp.   There are two red warning lights on top of the counter weights.  These lights are painted using a metallic red paint which does a very good job reproducing the lights on the real machine.

The rear of the model houses two winches with hydraulic hose connections. 

Four expandable outriggers extend from the body.  The outriggers can be lowered or raised by using the a simple screw mechanism.  Unlike some mechanisms, these outriggers stay in the desired position for display purposes.  The outrigger pads stow within width of the crane.  The outriggers are outlined in simulated reflective tape. 

Continuing forward, on the driver's side is the chrome exhaust stack and two-man driver's cab with realistic interior layout and instrumentation.  The cab mirrors are made of molded plastic with mirror inserts. The models headlights are made of clear plastic, adding a degree of authenticity to the model.  I was particularly amazed at the red plastic running lights located in the middle of the model.

 Run your cursor over the above photograph to view the detail of the driver's side of this model.

The other side of the model reveals fantastic detail.  The main hydraulic lift keeps the boom in place even when fully extended with the jib installed.  However, it would be a good idea to place one of the supplied pins in the hydraulic lift to keep the boom in place while displaying the model.

Boom fully extended
Click on photo to enlarge

One of the highlights of this model is the highly detailed jib with operating hydraulics.  The jib is easily connected to the main telescoping boom using a set of long pins.  It should be noted though that these pins are easily removed and can be lost when moving the model. 

 Run your cursor over the above photograph to view the detail of this model.  

The paint job on this model, like all TWH Collectibles models, is flawless.  It is a 100% match to the Grove International colors.  All  graphics are clean and crisp. 

Conclusion

TWH Collectibles, working with their partner Grove, have produced a museum quality construction model loaded with an impressive number of operating features.  

TWH Collectibles continues to impress collectors with their ongoing research, partnering, and attention to detail in every model they craft.  I am looking forward to other future Grove releases. 

On a Wow factor of 1 - 5, I give this model a 4

---

TWH Collectibles announced the 2nd production run of the Grove GMK3055.  This model, available June 15, 2008, offers the following functions and features:

FUNCTIONS: Expandable outriggers Steerable 1st, 2nd, 3rd axles Auxiliary winch Pivoting boom and lattice sections Pivoting cab that reveals engine Pivoting operators cab Extendable 6 section boom Pivoting jib Rotating carbody Functional load block and load block winch

FEATURES: Rubber tires Accurate decal package Multi-material mirrors Replicated diamond plate decking on operators cab Detailed operator cab Detailed drivers cab Safety and work lighting Accurate hose and wire placement Chrome muffler stack Spare tire located on rear

Two decorations will be offered:

White
Click on Photo to Enlarge

Grove Yellow
Click on Photo to Enlarge

 

 

---

Buffalo Road Imports USA

Featured Vendors

NZG International

A special thanks to MagicZomm for use of their products.

Grove is a registered trademark of Grove International, Inc.
TWH Collectibles is a registered trademark of TWH Collectibles