Grove ATs power through Iceland’s harsh winter

Both of the new cranes are operating on jobsites around Reykjavík.

Reykjavík’s winters bring sub-zero temperatures, strong winds and only a few hours of daylight, making lifting work a year-round challenge. To keep projects moving despite the weather, Icelandic crane company DS Lausnir added two Grove all terrain cranes to its fleet, a GMK5250XL-1 and a GMK5150L-1, both with features to improve performance and reliability in extreme cold.

The GMK5250XL-1 offers a 250 tonne capacity and 78.5 metre boom, while the GMK5150L-1 delivers 150 tonnes and 60 metres. Both cranes were fitted with winter tyres, auxiliary cab heaters, LED work lights and Grove’s snow cover package to protect key components. The GMK5150L-1 also includes a diesel cab heater with a 24-hour timer, a 270 degree camera system and enhanced lighting for low-visibility conditions.

“We wanted cranes that can handle Iceland’s weather without slowing down,” said Daníel Sigurðarson, owner of DS Lausnir.

The cranes were put straight into service around Reykjavík. Shortly after delivery, the GMK5250XL-1 was used at the Þorraholt residential development in Garðabær, where it lifted 11 tonne precast concrete floors at a 40 metre radius. As winter approached, DS Lausnir said the new equipment would help maintain steady operations through the season.