Saudi Crane Services Completes Major Grove Crane Fleet Refresh in Jeddah

 30 Second Takeaway

Saudi Crane Services (SCS) in Jeddah has completed a comprehensive refresh of its fleet of Grove cranes, extending the working life of 28 machines while improving performance and reliability. The programme used genuine Manitowoc parts to ensure durability in harsh desert conditions and reflects a growing focus on crane fleet life extension as a cost-effective strategy for long-term operations.

Industry Context and Fleet Lifecycle Management

Across the Middle East, crane rental and heavy lift companies are increasingly focused on maximising asset life while maintaining safety, reliability and performance. In demanding environments such as Saudi Arabia, heat, dust and continuous utilisation place additional strain on crane components, making crane fleet maintenance and lifecycle planning critical to operational success.

Rather than accelerating replacement cycles, many operators are turning to structured refurbishment programmes supported by OEM parts to improve uptime and extend service life. This approach supports both cost control and sustainability while ensuring equipment remains fit for complex lifting applications.

Major Fleet Refresh Across 28 Grove Cranes

Saudi Crane Services (SCS), based in Jeddah, has completed a major parts refresh across its entire fleet of 28 Grove cranes, extending their operational lifespan and enhancing performance. The work was carried out using genuine parts supplied by Manitowoc to ensure reliability and long-term durability in harsh desert operating conditions.

The fleet includes a mix of rough-terrain and all-terrain cranes. The newest machines are nine Grove RT765E-2 cranes built in 2011 and 2012, while the oldest crane in the fleet is a Grove RT522 dating back to 1990. Other models included in the refresh programme are RT760E, RT890E, RT880E, along with a GMK4080 all-terrain crane.

Saudi Crane Services general manager Richard Gandar said the company typically operates its Grove cranes for extended periods before considering replacement.

“We typically operate our Grove cranes for around 15 to 20 years before considering resale or trade-in, depending on condition and workload,” said Gandar.

He explained that the decision to refresh the fleet made strong financial sense, particularly given the continued availability of genuine parts to support older machines.

Scope of Work and Performance Improvements

The scope of the fleet refresh programme was extensive, covering critical mechanical, structural and operator-focused systems. Work included the replacement or upgrade of hydraulic and control systems, structural components, booms, air-conditioning units and operator cabs.

Each crane required between five and ten weeks to complete, depending on its condition and the level of refurbishment required. The staged approach allowed Saudi Crane Services to keep equipment available while systematically upgrading the fleet.

According to Gandar, the benefits of the refresh have been clear across operations.

“This initiative has significantly extended our cranes’ operational lifespan while improving lifting precision, reducing downtime, and enhancing fuel efficiency,” he said.

He added that operators had long valued the comfort and performance of Grove cranes, and the upgrades had further improved both usability and productivity.

Long-Term Support and Harsh Environment Performance

Since commencing operations in 2007, Saudi Crane Services has relied heavily on Grove rough-terrain cranes due to their durability and proven performance in demanding environments. The fleet is deployed across construction, oil and gas and industrial applications, including machinery installation and structural works throughout Saudi Arabia.

The company works closely with local Manitowoc dealer Kanoo Machinery for parts supply and technical support, ensuring access to expertise and OEM-backed solutions throughout the lifecycle of its equipment.

Reflecting on the project, Gandar highlighted the importance of structured maintenance and parts support.

“This project demonstrates how proper parts support and planned maintenance can extend equipment life far beyond expectations,” he said.

With the refresh programme now complete, the Grove fleet is expected to remain in service for many more years across job sites throughout the Kingdom.

About Saudi Crane Services

Saudi Crane Services (SCS) is a Jeddah-based crane rental and lifting services provider supporting construction, oil and gas and industrial projects across Saudi Arabia. Established in 2007, the company operates a fleet of Grove rough-terrain and all-terrain cranes, delivering lifting solutions in demanding environments with a focus on safety, reliability and long-term asset performance.

Learn more: https://www.saudicraneservices.com 

About Manitowoc and Grove

Manitowoc is a global manufacturer of lifting solutions, providing mobile cranes, tower cranes and aftermarket support to customers worldwide. The company’s portfolio includes the Grove brand, which is widely recognised for its rough-terrain, all-terrain and truck-mounted cranes used across construction, industrial and energy markets.

Grove cranes are known for their durability, operator comfort and performance in challenging environments. Supported by Manitowoc’s global parts network and authorised dealers, Grove equipment is designed to deliver long service life through OEM-backed maintenance, refurbishment and lifecycle support programmes.

Visit website: https://www.manitowoc.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saudi Crane Services choose to refresh its Grove crane fleet?Saudi Crane Services opted for a full fleet refresh to extend equipment life, improve performance and reduce long-term costs. The availability of genuine Manitowoc parts made it possible to support older cranes while maintaining reliability in harsh operating conditions.

Which Grove crane models were included in the refresh programme?The refresh covered 28 cranes, including Grove RT765E-2, RT760E, RT890E, RT880E, RT522, and a GMK4080 all-terrain crane, with build years ranging from 1990 to 2012.

What work was carried out during the fleet refresh?The programme included upgrades and replacements to hydraulic and control systems, structural components, booms, air-conditioning systems and operator cabs. Each crane required between five and ten weeks to complete, depending on condition.

How long does Saudi Crane Services typically operate its cranes?Saudi Crane Services generally operates its Grove cranes for 15 to 20 years before considering resale or trade-in, depending on workload and overall condition.

What industries use Saudi Crane Services’ crane fleet?The fleet supports construction, oil and gas and industrial projects, including machinery installation and structural works across Saudi Arabia.