Grove Introduces Aftermarket Rope Cleaner for Cranes

Grove has introduced a new aftermarket rope cleaner designed to streamline maintenance for Grove all-terrain cranes. Unveiled as one of Manitowoc’s key product launches at bauma 2025, the rope cleaner simplifies the process of wire rope cleaning and lubrication, offering significant time savings and efficiency gains.

Housed in a portable, hard-shell case, the system includes everything needed to maintain wire ropes, including straps and shackles. It automates cleaning by feeding the rope through an aluminum housing with easily clamped inserts and scrapers. The inserts are currently available for 16, 17, 19, 22 and 24 mm rope diameters, with additional sizes available upon request.

“This innovative aftermarket solution can extend the working life of the rope by reducing friction and adding effective corrosion protection that penetrates all the way to the core,” said Patrick Stelter, Grove’s parts and service product and marketing manager. “The whole cleaning and greasing procedure can be carried out in as little as 90 minutes, which is not only much quicker but far less tedious than traditional methods.”

The kit includes a metal sleeve lubrication system and a portable grease transfer system featuring a hydraulic hose and grease pump. After inserting the correct size into the sleeve, technicians secure the lubrication system to the hoist rope and clamp the cleaner device below it. The cleaner is made of durable material and designed to remove debris without damaging the rope.

Once connected to the grease system and crane’s air pressure supply, technicians can control grease flow while lowering the hoist, cleaning dirt from the rope and applying fresh lubricant. The process is then repeated for the section of rope below the boom head using the hook block for tension.

With this new tool, Grove aims to deliver faster maintenance, reduced downtime and extended rope life for crane owners and operators.