As the successor to the Grove TMS800E truck crane, the TMS800-2 has adopted technology and features developed for larger truck-mounted and all-terrain cranes and packages them into an 80-USt unit.
Using a range of enhancements covering load charts, powertrain, and setup, the updated four-axle crane is ideal for a range of taxi applications covering renewable energy, cell tower installation, and road and bridge work.
A redesigned carrier transforms the TMS800-2 into a true taxi crane with efficient roadability. The crane can carry its full 28,000 lbs of counterweight and remain within axle and tire limits without a fall-off load. In areas with stricter roading laws, the TMS800-2 can carry 18,000 lbs and remain under 100,000 lbs GVW (gross vehicle weight), and 25,000 lbs per axle while being in a taxi configuration. The absence of wing weights contributes to the crane's 8.3 ft (2.5 m) travel width. These changes yield substantial transport savings over the lifetime of the crane.
"Think of the TMS800-2 as a lighter version of the TMS9000-2, sharing the same ergonomic cab and having interchangeable counterweights, but with a shorter boom, a maximum capacity of 80 USt, and excellent roading capabilities," says JJ Grace, Grove's product manager for truck-mounted cranes. "And as the first TMS crane to offer MAXbase as an option, its ability to accelerate setup . . . will cement its appeal to busy owners trying to keep up with the demand for their services."
A firm foundation
A new outrigger design makes the job site setup simpler and faster. The rear outrigger box is raised by just under five inches to improve the departure angle to 18 degrees, while the front outrigger jacks are raised by 3.5 inches to improve ground clearance. This also makes it easier to slide outrigger mats underneath.
Additionally, Grove's MAXbase allows outriggers to be positioned asymmetrically, enabling the crane to be set up as close to the lift as possible – even on constricted sites where obstacles may prevent them from fully extending on one side. Smart sensors accelerate and enhance the stabilization process, providing length sensing and an auto-levelling feature.
Working in conjunction with the Manitowoc Crane Control System (CCS) and its boom configurator feature, MAXbase also increases lift capacities across the board. As a result, the updated crane is able to offer a 30 percent stronger overall load chart than the TMS800E, with a 2,100 lbs to 3,750 lbs advantage at radii beyond 60 feet. And when in its maximum allowable travel weight configuration, with a GVW of 105,656 lbs, the TMS800-2 likewise provides up to 26 percent stronger load charts overall than its main competitor, including a 2,500 lbs to 4,000 lbs advantage beyond 60 feet.
As an added benefit, the four-section, 40 to 128 ft MEGAFORM boom with Twin-Lock pinning offers a broad working range. The optional 34.5 ft to 57.6 ft telescoping swingaway lattice extension provides a maximum tip height of 194.3 feet.
Powertrain improvements
Several improvements have also been made to the crane's powertrain, with the switch to a six-cylinder Cummins X12 turbocharged diesel engine boosting power output by 25 hp to 475 hp, and maximum torque from 1550 lb-ft to 1,700 lb-ft.
The Eaton Roadranger manual transmission remains standard, providing 11 forward speeds and three reverse speeds. An optional automatic version, the Eaton Fuller UltraShift PLUS, is available.
The crane's aluminum carrier cab, which was first introduced on the TMS9000-2, provides an improved level of comfort and ergonomics for the operator, a tiltable, telescopic steering column with a multifunction steering wheel, and an improved gauge cluster and control panel. Sightlines from the air-suspended seat are enhanced via a camera system that transmits real-time pictures from the rear or the right-hand side blind spot to the in-cab display.
The operator's access to the superstructure cab is simplified by five access points around the chassis. Using the Crane Control System (CCS) platform, the dual-axis ergonomic joysticks allow fine control of the load from the comfort of the adjustable seat with hydraulic suspension. CCS incorporates a full-colour graphic display that is vertically mounted for better visibility and hosts a camera relay that gives the operator a view of the deployment of up to 653 feet of rope from the main hoist at speeds of up to 370 fpm. The auxiliary hoist, which is also viewable on the display, offers a cable length of 420 feet. The updated carrier includes more storage areas, including outrigger pad stowage.
