Manitowoc has introduced the new Grove TMS800-2 truck crane, which is the successor to the brand’s TMS800E model and adopts technology and features developed for larger truck-mounted and all-terrain cranes, packaging them into an easily roadable 80t unit.

Initially available in the Americas, the TMS800-2 boasts a wide 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.

According to Grove, the redesigned, lightweight carrier transforms the TMS800-2 into a true taxi crane with efficient roadability. The crane can carry its full 12.7t of counterweight and remain within axle and tyre limits without a fall-off load. In areas with stricter roading laws, the TMS800-2 can carry 8.1t remain under 45t GVW (gross vehicle weight), and 11.3t per axle while being in a taxi configuration. The absence of wing weights contributes to the crane’s slim 2.5m 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 80t, and excellent roading capabilities,” explained 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 set-up — even in inconvenient locations — will cement its appeal to busy owners trying to keep up with the demand for their services.”

A new outrigger design makes the job-site setup simpler and faster, according to Grove. The rear outrigger box is raised by just under 5 inches to improve the departure angle to 18°, while the front outrigger jacks are raised 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 per cent stronger overall load chart than the TMS800E, with a 952kg–1.7t advantage at radii beyond 18.2m. And when in its maximum allowable travel weight configuration, with a GVW of 48t, the TMS800-2 likewise provides up to 26 per cent stronger load charts overall than its main competitor, including a 1.1–2t advantage beyond 18.2m,” said Manitowoc’s statement.

It added that as an added benefit, the four-section, 40-128 ft MEGAFORM boom with Twin-Lock pinning offers a broad working range. The optional 10.5m– 17.5m telescoping swingaway lattice extension (available in versions that offer either manual or hydraulic offsetting up to 45°) produces a maximum tip height of 59.3m.

Several improvements have also been made on the crane’s powertrain, with the switch to a six-cylinder Cummins X12 turbocharged diesel engine boosting power output by 25hp to 475hp, and maximum torque from 1550lb-ft to 1,700lb-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.

Its sleek, modern aluminum carrier cab, which was first introduced on the TMS9000-2, provides an improved level of comfort and ergonomics for the operator, as well as a tiltable, telescopic steering column with a multifunction steering wheel, and an improved gauge cluster and control panel. Sightlines from the adjustable 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 flexibility of the TMS800E made it a firm favourite with operators who do multiple smaller jobs a day, working in light construction and handling trusses, steel erection, HVAC work, etc.,” Grace concluded.
“Now, with the aid of these proven upgrades in terms of productivity, the TMS800-2 gives them the opportunity to squeeze in extra picks each day to maximize utilization — and to do so in even greater comfort.”