Lawsons Haulage adds first Grove crane to fleet

The new Grove GMK5250XL-1 for Lawson Haulage & Crane Hire in the UK. Photo: Manitowoc

Lawsons Haulage and Crane Hire Services in the UK has added the company’s first Grove crane, a GMK5250XL-1 all terrain crane, to its fleet.

The 250 tonne capacity crane completed its first project at the Egger UK wood plant in Hexham, Northumberland, where it was used to replace two 25 tonne turning wheels during a planned shutdown. Configured with 80 tonnes of counterweight and a 41.6 metre main boom, the GMK5250XL-1 worked at a 25 metre radius.

“The GMK5250XL-1 handled the first job with ease, and the operation went extremely smoothly, allowing the plant to get back online quickly, which the customer really appreciated,” said Gary Audley, crane manager at Lawsons Haulage and Crane Hire Services. “We expect to see equally impressive results and customer satisfaction when the crane begins its other projects in wind turbine erection and maintenance, boat lifts, large dismantling works and even on projects at the nearby Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park.”

The new Grove GMK5250XL-1 will be used to erect and maintain wind turbines. Photo: Manitowoc

The family-run company, based in Cockermouth near the Lake District, serves customers across northern England and southern Scotland. Manitowoc is supporting the new crane from its UK head office in Buckingham and its recently opened service location in Barnsley, Yorkshire.

“The new Grove GMK5250XL-1 has allowed us to handle heavier loads and to do jobs faster because, with the long boom, we can handle more work without needing a jib,” said Grant Kennedy, assistant crane manager. “We’re a long-established haulage and crane rental business with a great reputation, facing many new opportunities, and we believe our GMK5250XL-1 will allow us to access more tier-one work while supporting our substantial existing customer base.”