Dependable RT Crane is Well-Cared-For
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Subject: Grove RT635C rough-terrain crane
Serial Number: 84697
Date in service: August 1998
Hours of service: 4,200
Equipment owner: Southwest Industrial Rigging, based in
Service area:
Date of review: 3-23-05
Appearance
The contrast between the Grove RT635C's faded finish next to a nearly new RT700E parked nearby was striking. In addition, I found a few areas of paint
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scaling and degradation. Considering the crane's age and application, this isn't much of a concern.
Image 2: Note paint scaling on the slewing drive unit.
Image 3: With the exception of the seat, the interior of the cab has held up nicely.
Inside the cab, all labels on the gauges remained bright and legible. In addition, the steering wheel, joysticks, and other switches remain in good shape The only item showing wear is the operator's seat; its fabric cover was frayed.
Power
Baker's only complaint with the Cummins 6BT 6-cylinder 8.3-liter diesel engine is that it is too loud. Maintenance is performed via a pair of swing-up doors on either
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side of the engine bay. The superstructure sits high enough to allow good access. Southwest Industrial Rigging has a stringent preventative maintenance policy, which includes using an engine oil analysis service. Samples of the oil are sent out with every oil change. As a result, Southwest Industrial Rigging is able to catch minor problems before they become major ones. Additionally, the
Image 4: A pair of swing-up panels provide easy access to the engine for preventative maintenance.
Image 5: Goodyear tires have proven exceptionally durable.
The tires on this crane are Goodyear 33.5R-25 GRP-28, and records indicate that these are the originals. They have held up exceptionally well in the southwest heat. I didn't find any sidewall cracks, and I estimate that about 60% of original tread remains.
Owner's impressions
Baker is the epitome of a hands-on operator. Although he runs a fleet of more than 30 cranes, dozens of heavy-haul trailers, and a storage facility with more than a quarter of a million square feet, he remains very much in touch with every aspect of his business.
As we made our way through his crane yard, Baker couldn't recall any major service problems with this particular RT635C. A review of the service records supported this observation. Aside from typical repairs, including replacement of the LMI's cable potentiometer and A2B switch on the auxiliary hoist, the only major repair was the replacement of the holding valve on the main lift cylinder. Parts cost on this item was $400 plus labor. In addition, there had been a minor leak on the main winch.
In all, we could hardly scratch up a total of about $1,000 worth of break-down repairs. This is both a tribute to the durability of the crane and Southwest's dedication to preventative maintenance. In addition to the oil analyses reports, the crane's file included a couple inspection reports performed by the local Grove dealer, H&E Equipment. It's safe to say that Baker's crew stays on top of his investments.
Overall, Baker is pleased with the performance of his RT635C. “We send our cranes to some out-of-the-way places in very hot weather, so they need to be dependable,” he said. This Grove RT crane has certainly satisfied that prerequisite.
