Product of the Month – Wienold GML800+ counterbalance floor crane
Lifting materials in constrained space needs a failsafe system that is simple to operate by small teams and works every time.
That system is Hird’s Wienold GML800+ counterbalance floor crane, our Product of the Month for April 2026.
The machine is powerful, robust and extremely flexible, which is why it is trusted by contractors who hire it from Hird on a regular basis.
The Wienold GML800+ delivers a long list of advantages that makes it a winner on construction sites, where building maintenance is needed, and in factories across the UK.
Here are 10 great reasons why the GML800+ is the go-to counterbalance floor crane for many Hird customers.
- Manual handling risks eliminated: the GML800+ floor crane greatly reduces the need for manual handling.
- Best in class capacity: the machine can lift loads of up to 800kg.
- Exceptional lifting height: materials can be raised to a height of 7.5m.
- Narrow body: stowed for transport, the GML800+ is just 810mm wide, so can be moved through highly-constrained spaces.
- Easy to manoeuvre: the machine is fitted with smooth-running swivelling wheels, with lockable brakes, to ease transportation and positioning.
- Low loading height: materials can be loaded from just 50mm off the ground.
- Safety build-in: dual mast brakes and a safe stop sensor help ensure operatives, materials, and surrounding surfaces are protected.
- Smaller teams, reduced costs: using Hird’s GML800+ means more can be done with smaller lifting teams, greatly increasing productivity and controlling costs.
- Smaller lifting footprint: the machine supports less disruptive working across busy sites, with lifts carried out more quickly in smaller spaces.
- Precise positioning: the machine’s variable speed lift system supports efficient operation and the positioning of loads with millimetre-precision.
High performance and flexibility
Hird’s GML800+ counterbalance floor crane is designed from the bottom up to be simple to operate and reliable for every lift.
The machine is compact enough to be transported to or around sites in a van and is quick to set up to carry out lifts.
It can be provided for hire with two power options: 110v AC mains electricity or a bi-energy version, with 220v DC electric batteries and 110v AC mains power for ultimate flexibility.
In both cases, the machine is operated using a remote control unit, allowing the operator to position themselves in the best place to safely manage the lift.
The design of the GML800+ allows the machine to be placed as close as possible to the load placement point. This aids working in confined spaces and installing items like glass panels.
The counterbalance floor cranes are ideal for lifting a wide range of materials, including:
- Steel and wooden beams
- Glass panels
- Window frames
- Pipes
- Sheeted material, including: plasterboard, wood, plastic and metal
Multiple lifting attachments
Key to the GML800+ counterbalance lifting beam’s success is the way it can be combined with different attachments and devices.
This extends the flexibility and safe operation of the machine. The attachments include:
- Winches
- Lifting forks
- Extendable lifting forks
- A crane boom
- An electric telescopic boom
- Forklift points
The GML800+ can also be combined with the Wienold-Kappel Overhead Glazing Manipulator, developed with the assistance of Hird expertise.
This can lift glass panels weighing up 500kg up to a height of 7.94m, for installation even directly overhead.
A wider counterbalance crane family
The GML800+ is part of a wider range of Wienold machines in Hird’s counterbalance floor crane hire fleet.
SLK25 floor crane: the smallest material lift in the GML family, the SLK25 has a safe working load of 300kg and can lift that load up to 7.9m.
WLU KS Premium: a highly compact material lift with an SWL of 400kg and a working height up to 4m. At just 750mm wide and 1160mm long, it takes up a tiny floor space for a material lift with an impressive capacity.
WLU KS Premium with overhead glazing manipulator: Hird can supply the machine with a glazing manipulator with a capacity of up to 355kg, 3600 rotation and 900 tilt, with the ability to install panels directly overhead.
GML800 Manual: The GML800 Manual is simplicity personified. It can lift 800kg up to a height of 4.7m. As a manual crane, electric power is not needed.
GML500+ Counterbalance floor crane: Highly compact, this crane can use its electric winch to lift loads weighing up to 500kg to 8.8m. It can be mains or battery powered and, like the GML800+, can be combined with the Wienold-Kappel Overhead Glazing Manipulator.
GML Compact: The GML Compact can lift loads up to 800kg up to a height of 7.1mm. But it is 410mm shorter than the GML800 Manual and GML800+ (in its shorter form), so can be moved around more easily in confined spaces.
For hire customers who need it, Hird can provide LEEA-accredited counterbalance floor crane training. This can be delivered at one of Hird’s three training centres or, if facilities are suitable, at customer sites.
Find out more
Talk to the friendly Hird hire team today about the Wienold GML800+ counterbalance floor crane, or the other machines in the GML crane family.
All are available for hire nationally though our three operational centres:
Email: [email protected]