Hybrid Grove GMK5150XLe for Bryn Thomas headlines Manitowoc’s Vertikal Days stand

The two-day show, held on 9-10 September at the Newark Showground, brought together lift and access professionals, rental companies, contractors and fleet owners, and Manitowoc used it to underline both its mobile crane range and its growing aftermarket business in the UK.

First UK GMK5150XLe goes to Bryn Thomas

The GMK5150XLe is the plug-in hybrid version of Grove’s five-axle, 150-tonne class all-terrain crane, and the exhibited unit wore the red livery of North Wales-based Bryn Thomas Cranes, its first UK owner. A 160 kWh battery pack allows the crane to lift with zero local emissions and reduced noise, while an integrated 170 kW generator and the ability to charge the batteries while driving preserve the flexibility of a conventional diesel machine. The crane carries the same 68.7 m main boom as the standard GMK5150XL, the longest in the 150-tonne, five-axle class.

GMK4090-1 heads to Leach after the show

Sharing the stand was the Grove GMK4090-1, a 90-tonne four-axle all-terrain crane pitched at jobsites where access and positioning are tight. Manitowoc says the compact carrier lets the crane work in confined areas while retaining full Grove load charts, with a 10.2 t taxi counterweight carried within 12 t axle loads and the balance of the counterweight fitting on a single standard trailer. The exhibited unit will be delivered to steelwork contractor Leach Structural Steelwork after the event.

Potain accessories and lifecycle support

On the tower crane side, Manitowoc showed a range of Potain aftermarket products, including anti-intrusion kits to protect cranes from vandalism, GRIPPS drop-prevention safety packs and autonomous crane urinals designed to improve operator comfort. Displays covering parts, service and other lifecycle solutions rounded out the stand, reflecting the manufacturer’s push to help owners maximise machine availability and extend crane working life.

“It was great to meet customers, colleagues, and partners at Vertikal Days 2026, and highlight our products and services focused on helping crane owners get stronger returns from their machines. Manitowoc is driving change and supporting business as UK construction and infrastructure continue to advance.”

— Pier Domenico Ravera, general manager for Manitowoc in the UK and VP of mobile crane sales in Europe