Bryn Thomas Takes Delivery of Fourth 150-Tonne Grove GMK5150XL All-Terrain Crane
- Meagan Wood
- Jan 29, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 2
30-Second Takeaway
UK crane hire specialist Bryn Thomas has expanded its fleet with the delivery of its fourth 150-tonne Grove GMK5150XL All-Terrain crane. The latest addition strengthens the company’s longer-boomed crane offering, delivering increased flexibility, transport efficiency, and enhanced lift configurations across a wide range of projects.
Fourth GMK5150XL Strengthens Long-Boom Fleet Strategy
UK crane hire company Bryn Thomas has taken delivery of its fourth Grove GMK5150XL All-Terrain crane, reinforcing its ongoing investment in the 150-tonne class and expanding capacity within its longer-boomed fleet segment.
The addition reflects continued confidence in the GMK5150XL platform as a high-utilisation crane within the company’s wider All Terrain portfolio.
Transport Efficiency Within UK Axle Load Limits
The Grove GMK5150XL can travel with up to 10.2 tonnes of counterweight while remaining within 12-tonne axle loadings, supporting efficient mobilisation on UK roads. Where 16.5-tonne axle loads are permitted in the UK, the crane can carry up to 30.9 tonnes of counterweight, further improving on-site readiness and reducing support transport requirements.
Strong Load Charts and Seven-Section Main Boom
The crane features a seven-section, 68.7-metre main boom, delivering strong lifting performance across extended reaches. The GMK5150XL can handle:
8.1 tonnes at full boom extension
9.4 tonnes at 66 metres
12.7 tonnes at 60 metres
These capacities support a wide range of lifting scenarios without requiring larger crane classes.
Flexible Extension Configurations and MAXbase™ Technology
All cranes are equipped with a 16.2-metre bi-fold swingaway extension, which can be further extended using an 8.1-metre insert to achieve a total extension length of 24.2 metres. This configuration provides a maximum tip height of 96.5 metres, increasing reach and application flexibility.
Each machine is also fitted with MAXbase™ variable outrigger positioning, allowing operators to optimise crane setup based on site constraints and load requirements. The system enhances flexibility in crane configuration and supports efficient deployment across varied job sites.
Operations Director Highlights Fleet Versatility
Operations Director Nic Hutchison commented on the delivery and its role within the fleet:
“These cranes run with an interchangeable ballast and can go up and down the range, which means it’s more versatile for our Grove fleet and our newest Grove crane is a perfect investment to grove our longer boomed sector of our fleet. We are really looking forward to the four new GMK 4080L’s that are due to be delivered within the next few months.”
Extensive Multi-Depot Crane Fleet
Bryn Thomas Cranes, together with sister company BJW Cranes, operates a fleet of approximately 70 All Terrain, city-type, and mobile tower cranes, with capacities ranging from 15 tonnes to 500 tonnes.
The fleet is supported across six depot locations, enabling nationwide coverage and flexible response to customer requirements across the UK.
About Bryn Thomas Cranes
Bryn Thomas Cranes is a UK-based crane hire company operating an extensive fleet of All Terrain, city-type, and mobile tower cranes. Alongside sister company BJW Cranes, the business provides lifting solutions across construction, infrastructure, industrial, and specialist sectors.
With crane capacities ranging from 15 tonnes to 500 tonnes and operations supported from six depots, Bryn Thomas Cranes focuses on modern fleet investment, operational flexibility, and high-performance lifting capability across the UK.
About Grove
Grove is a globally recognised manufacturer of mobile hydraulic cranes, specialising in All-Terrain, Rough-Terrain, and truck-mounted cranes. Grove cranes are known for their long boom systems, strong load charts, transport efficiency, and advanced technologies such as MAXbase™ variable outrigger positioning.
Grove is part of Manitowoc, a leading global provider of lifting solutions serving construction, infrastructure, energy, and industrial markets worldwide.
Website: https://www.grovecm.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the GMK5150XL popular in the UK 150-tonne class?
The GMK5150XL offers a combination of long main boom length, strong load charts, and transport efficiency, making it well suited to UK taxi crane and contract lift applications where flexibility and road compliance are critical.
How does interchangeable ballast improve fleet utilisation?
Interchangeable ballast allows cranes to share counterweight across multiple units, improving deployment flexibility and reducing transport and logistics complexity within a mixed Grove fleet.
What role does MAXbase™ play on constrained sites?
MAXbase™ enables asymmetrical outrigger positioning, allowing operators to optimise lifting capacity when working near boundaries or obstructions without compromising safety or performance.
How does the swingaway and insert configuration expand job coverage?
The bi-fold swingaway combined with an insert increases maximum tip height to 96.5 metres, enabling higher-reach lifts without moving to a larger crane class.
How does this delivery fit within Bryn Thomas’s wider fleet strategy?
The fourth GMK5150XL strengthens the company’s longer-boomed crane segment while maintaining consistency across its Grove fleet, supporting high utilisation and operational efficiency.
