Grove GMK6400-1 breathes new life into wind turbine in Germany

• Schmidbauer used the Grove GMK6400-1 crane to replace bearings on all three blades of a wind turbine in Denklingen, Germany.

• The crane was configured with 135 t ballast, a 54.6 m main boom, 73 m luffing jib, and the MegaWingLift™ attachment, lifting 9 t loads at a 39 m radius.

• The project was completed in just three days, demonstrating efficient planning, powerful technology, and strong teamwork.

• The GMK6400-1 has been succeeded by the GMK6450-1, offering enhanced lifting capacity and advanced control technology for complex wind industry applications.

• Schmidbauer used its Grove GMK6400-1 to replace bearings on all three blades of a wind turbine in Denklingen, Germany.

• The crane worked with 135 t ballast, 54.6 m main boom, 73 m luffing jib, and the MegaWingLift™ attachment to effortlessly lift 9 t loads at a 39 m radius.

• A combination of perfect planning, powerful lifting technology, and a well-coordinated team, meant the whole project was completed in just three days.

Advertisement

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 135 t of ballast and a 54.6 m main boom. In addition, it was rigged with the MegaWingLift™ capacity-enhancing attachment and a 73 m luffing jib. In this configuration, the six-axle crane easily handled the maximum loads of up to 9 t at a 39 m radius, lifting to a hook height of 123 m. The perfect 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. 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 at Schmidbauer.

The GMK6400-1 has been succeeded by the GMK6450-1 in the Grove product line, representing the most powerful and versatile six-axle crane currently available on the market. It impresses with strong lifting capacities, state-of-the-art 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. The crane’s short setup times, flexibility and high performance make it an essential 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.