In the Denklingen area of Bavaria, German crane rental company Schmidbauer completed a demanding and time-critical wind turbine project.
The company used its Grove GMK6400-1 to replace the bearings on all three turbine blades. The work included the removal of the rotor blades, the dismantling and refurbishment of the bearings and their reinstallation — a process requiring maximum precision and absolute reliability.
The GMK6400-1, which joined the Schmidbauer fleet in April 2024, was configured with 149 tons of ballast and a 54.6 m main boom. In addition, it was rigged with the MegaWingLift™ capacity-enhancing attachment and a 179.1 ft. luffing jib.
In this configuration, the six-axle crane easily handled the maximum loads of up to 9.9 tons at a 128 ft. radius, lifting to a hook height of 403.5 ft. The combination of powerful Grove technology, efficient planning, precise processes and a well-coordinated team, meant the work was completed in just three days — ahead of schedule and impressive proof of the speed, accuracy and strength of the crane.
"This job shows what is possible when technology, experience and teamwork come together seamlessly," said Florian Zech, technical sales consultant of Schmidbauer. "Our GMK6400-1 offers exactly the performance needed for complex wind energy applications. The fact that we were able to replace the blade bearings in only three days underscores the efficiency of our processes and the expertise of our team," said Florian Zech, technical sales consultant of Schmidbauer.
The GMK6400-1 has been succeeded by the GMK6450-1 in the Grove product line, representing the most powerful six-axle crane currently available in the lineup. It impresses with strong lifting capacities, modern control technology and compact dimensions, making it a perfect choice for complex tasks in the wind industry — from installation and repairs to the replacement of large components, according to Grove. The crane's short setup times, flexibility and high performance make it a tool for modern wind power jobs.
As one of Germany's leading crane rental companies, Schmidbauer is known for the quality and reliability of its services. With a modern fleet of machines, experienced specialists and tailor-made solutions, the family-owned company supports projects in the industry, energy, construction and infrastructure sectors — from initial planning to final implementation.
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