Skylift Crane Services Takes Delivery of 450-Tonne Grove GMK6450-1 All Terrain Crane

30-Second Takeaway

Melbourne-based Skylift Crane Services has expanded its lifting capabilities with the delivery of a 450-tonne Grove GMK6450-1 All Terrain crane, following a significant investment in fleet capacity. The acquisition supports the company’s continued growth across construction, infrastructure, wind energy, and specialist lifting sectors throughout Australia.

Major Fleet Investment Expands Lifting Capability

Following a significant investment in additional capabilities and lifting capacity, Melbourne’s Skylift Crane Services has taken delivery of a new Grove GMK6450-1 All Terrain crane, marking a major milestone for the family-owned business.

The crane represents the largest capacity unit in Skylift’s fleet to date, supporting the company’s strategy of servicing increasingly complex and high-capacity lifting requirements across multiple industries.

Family-Owned Business Built on Industry Experience

Husband and wife team David and Eleonora Bresnehan have operated the family-run business since 1997. Like many crane hire companies, Skylift Crane Services began with humble origins.

David, a boilermaker and welder by trade, spent a decade working with mobile cranes as a crane operator and rigger. Eleonora brought a background in banking and finance, and with the assistance of Robert Sergi of Sergi Cranes, the business was launched with a 50-tonne Kato crane.

Growth into a Medium-Sized Crane Hire Enterprise

Today, Skylift Crane Services operates as a medium-sized enterprise, running a fleet of more than 25 cranes and employing 45 staff.

The fleet spans a wide range of lifting equipment, including:

• 2.5t to 4t crawler cranes

• Bubble cranes

• Franna pick-and-carry cranes from 15t to 40t

• Truck-mounted cranes

• All Terrain cranes from 35t up to the new 450t Grove

The fleet is supported by Volvo prime movers and a range of trailers, including a float, enabling the company to handle diverse transport and logistics requirements.

Evolving Beyond Precast to General Crane Hire

Reflecting on the company’s growth, Dave Bresnehan said the fleet has evolved alongside the business.

“We started out by specialising in erecting precast concrete panels, but as other business opportunities presented, we moved the business more into the general crane hire space. We now service a broad range of clients, and the scope of works is considerable. We work with Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 builders, we have excellent relationships with the entertainment industry whilst providing lifting services to sporting, landscaping and marine industries as well as installing pools and spas for mums and dads,” said Dave.

Long-Standing Relationship with Grove All Terrain Cranes

Skylift Crane Services has been operating Grove All Terrain cranes for more than 18 years, with reliability and aftermarket support playing a key role in ongoing fleet decisions.

“We purchased our first new Grove over 18 years ago and it has proved to be a really reliable crane. It has also been backed by excellent aftermarket support from the team at Grove and also JDM Services, including owners and directors, Kreston and John Mahoney who help support the brand in Victoria. The service is reliable, supportive and very responsive when it needs to be,” said Dave.

Sales Support and Strategic Fleet Alignment

The purchase of the Grove GMK6450-1 was managed in collaboration with Richard Swaine, ANZ Sales Manager Mobile Cranes, Manitowoc Cranes Australia.

“Richard is always well informed and kept us posted throughout the sales process and provided a first class service. Purchasing the Grove GMK6450-1 was a big step for us and fits our strategy for the business perfectly,” said Dave.

450-Tonne Capacity and Advanced Lifting Technology

The Grove GMK6450-1 is an upgrade of the GMK6400-1, featuring an increased maximum capacity of 450 tonnes, representing a 50-tonne increase over the previous model.

The introduction of MAXbase™ variable outrigger positioning, first added to the GMK6400-1 in 2021, allows asymmetrical outrigger configurations and enhanced load charts. MAXbase can also be used in conjunction with the MegaWingLift™, a self-rigging attachment deployable in under 20 minutes without an assist crane.

MAXbase delivers:

• Up to 70% increased capacity on the main boom

• Up to 400% increased capacity when using the luffing jib

These enhancements ultimately led to customer demand for the crane to be renamed.

High-Performance Capabilities Across Major Projects

The GMK6450-1 has been deployed on projects traditionally requiring seven- or eight-axle

All Terrain cranes. Performance highlights include:

• 8.9 tonnes at 38–50 metre radii using a full 136-metre boom and jib system

• 12.8 tonnes at 36–52 metre radii with 120 metres of boom and jib

The crane is particularly well suited to wind power projects, offering flexible setup distances and the ability to lift heavy loads at steep vertical angles. It can operate in wind speeds of up to nine metres per second when equipped with its 79-metre luffing jib.

Digital Fleet Management with Grove CONNECT

The GMK6450-1 is equipped with Grove CONNECT, a digital platform providing owners with real-time fleet data.

Through the platform, fleet managers can access crane performance insights, while service technicians benefit from remote troubleshooting, reducing on-site visits and supporting preventative maintenance programs. The app-based system enables monitoring across smartphones, tablets, and laptops, enhancing connectivity, sustainability, and service efficiency.

People-Focused Culture and Long-Term Client Relationships

Skylift Crane Services continues to emphasise customer service and long-term relationships.

“As a family business, customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we have clients that have been with us for over 20 years,” said Dave.

“An essential element of working at Skylift Cranes is a ‘can-do’ attitude. Every team member is focused on maintaining a great working relationship with our clients and providing the best and safest solutions for their requirements.”

Dave also highlighted the role of long-serving employees, including Chief Operating Officer Jye Drysdale, and noted that the GMK6450-1 acquisition supports broader business initiatives, including a Comansa tower crane venture.

“We work together with all of our employees ensuring a positive work environment where success is achieved and celebrated. It is our intention that our clients are delivered a service way beyond their expectations.”

About Skylift Crane Services

Skylift Crane Services is a Melbourne-based, family-owned crane hire company established in 1997. The company provides lifting solutions across construction, infrastructure, entertainment, marine, landscaping, sporting, and residential sectors throughout Victoria and beyond.

Operating a fleet of more than 25 cranes ranging from 2.5 tonnes to 450 tonnes, Skylift supports a wide variety of lift applications with All Terrain, crawler, pick-and-carry, truck-mounted, and specialist cranes. Backed by an experienced workforce and long-standing client relationships, Skylift Crane Services is recognised for its customer-focused approach, technical capability, and commitment to safe lifting practices.

Website: https://www.skyliftcranes.com.au

About Grove

Grove is a globally recognised manufacturer of mobile hydraulic cranes, specialising in All Terrain, Rough Terrain, and truck-mounted cranes. Known for engineering innovation and advanced lifting technologies, Grove cranes are widely used across construction, infrastructure, energy, and industrial markets worldwide.

Grove is part of Manitowoc, a leading global provider of lifting solutions. The company’s All Terrain crane range is valued for its strong load charts, advanced boom systems, transport efficiency, and compatibility with regional road regulations.

Website: https://www.grovecm.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Grove GMK6450-1 a significant upgrade over the GMK6400-1?

The GMK6450-1 increases maximum lifting capacity to 450 tonnes, 50 tonnes more than its predecessor, while incorporating MAXbase™ variable outrigger positioning and compatibility with MegaWingLift™, significantly enhancing lifting performance and configuration flexibility.

How does MAXbase™ change real-world lift planning?

MAXbase™ allows asymmetrical outrigger configurations, enabling operators to optimise crane setup in restricted sites. This results in improved load charts and greater flexibility when working near structures or boundaries.

What types of projects benefit most from the GMK6450-1’s configuration?

The crane is particularly effective on large infrastructure works, wind energy installations, heavy industrial lifts, and high-reach applications, where long boom systems, steep lift angles, and flexible setup distances are required.

Why is the GMK6450-1 replacing larger axle-count cranes on some projects?

With its high lifting capacity and extended boom and jib combinations, the GMK6450-1 can perform lifts traditionally assigned to seven- or eight-axle cranes, reducing transport complexity while maintaining performance.

How does Grove CONNECT support fleet operations?

Grove CONNECT provides real-time crane data, remote diagnostics, and performance insights, helping fleet managers improve utilisation while enabling proactive maintenance and reducing downtime.

Why has Skylift continued to invest in Grove cranes for nearly two decades?

Skylift cites reliability, strong performance, and responsive aftermarket support as key factors, supported by local service partners and long-term relationships with Grove and Manitowoc representatives.