Two Grove All-Terrain Cranes Team Up To Repair Historic Italian church

30-Second Takeaway

Italian crane rental specialist Santoni Autogrù successfully completed a delicate church restoration in Pinzolo using two Grove all-terrain cranesthe GMK4100L-2 and GMK4100L-1. Tasked with replacing a lightning-damaged cross atop the region’s tallest bell tower, the team overcame extreme height, tight space constraints, and historical sensitivities to complete the operation safely in less than 24 hours, showcasing the precision, reach, and reliability of Grove crane technology.

Italian crane rental and transport company Santoni Autogrùcalled on two of its high-performing all-terrain cranes to help repair a local church: a Grove GMK4100L-2 and Grove GMK4100L-1.

Located in Pinzolo, Italy, the San Lorenzo church’s 100 kg cross was struck by lightning and detached from the building’s bell tower last year. The bell tower, built between 1865 and 1867, reaches 72 m, and is the tallest bell tower in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The two Grove cranes worked in tandem to repair and replace the fallen cross all in just a single day, despite major space limitations.

“We had to position our cranes very close to the bell tower and extend their reach to 75 m to replace the cross,” said Giacomo Santoni, manager at Santoni Autogrù. “There was minimal room for the cranes to operate in the square, so they were forced into a tight space. But we still managed to complete the job in less than 24 hours.”

Santoni Autogrù acquired its GMK4100L-2 in February this year and has been operating its GMK4100L-1 since purchasing it in 2018. Santoni says the company and its operators are highly satisfied with the Grove cranes.

“We are very impressed with our Grove cranes. They operate efficiently and are very easy to set up. We’ve reached the peaks of ski slopes and ski lifts several times with our beloved GMK4100L-1, always without any problems. Our crane operators also praise our Grove cranes because they have cabs that can be tilted to 20° for peak visibility and their comfort levels are unmatched. Comfort is especially important for operators when they have to spend six or more hours a day with the crane.”

Santoni Autogrù is so pleased with its Grove cranes that it continues to expand the fleet. The Company will next receive a GMK5150XL, which arrives at the end of this year. This was chosen for its class-leading features, including a boom that’s almost 3 m longer than its rivals and very favorable load charts in comparison to others.

About Santoni Autogrù

Santoni Autogrù is a leading Italian crane rental, heavy transport, and engineered lifting services company headquartered in Trentino-Alto Adige, with a strong presence throughout Northern Italy and Alpine regions. For decades, Santoni has supported infrastructure, construction, energy, industrial, and heritage restoration projects with tailored lifting solutions that address some of the most challenging jobsite conditions, from steep mountain roads and confined urban squares to historic landmark structures.

The company operates a modern and diverse fleet of mobile and all-terrain cranes, including a range of Grove and other industry-leading OEM models. This fleet enables Santoni to execute complex lifts with precision and adaptability, whether it’s high-reach operations on steep terrain, heavy modular installation in tight streets, or tandem crane applications requiring coordination and technical planning.

Santoni’s services encompass:

• Crane rental and contract lifting

• Heavy haul and transport logistics

• Lift planning and engineering support

• On-site execution with certified crane operators

• Collaborative project management for sensitive and historical sites

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Safety, technical expertise, and customer responsiveness are central to Santoni’s operations. The company invests in continuous training, advanced lifting equipment, and best-in-class safety systems to ensure excellence in execution and minimal project risk.

As a regional leader, Santoni Autogrù combines local knowledge with global lifting standards to deliver efficient, reliable, and environmentally conscious solutions for civil, industrial, and cultural heritage projects.

Learn More: https://www.santoniautogru.com/

About Grove Cranes, A Manitowoc Brand

Grove is a globally recognized manufacturer of mobile cranes and a core brand of Manitowoc, delivering all-terrain, rough-terrain, and truck-mounted cranes trusted on job sites worldwide. Grove all-terrain cranes are known for their long booms, strong load charts, advanced mobility systems, and operator-focused cab designs.

The GMK4100L series exemplifies Grove’s engineering philosophy, combining compact dimensions with exceptional reach, fast setup times, and excellent roadability, making it ideal for urban, infrastructure, and high-precision lifting applications.

🔗 Grove Cranes: https://www.manitowoc.com/grove

🔗 Manitowoc Company: https://www.manitowoc.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the scope of the lift at San Lorenzo church?

Santoni Autogrù was tasked with replacing a 100 kg cross that had been struck by lightning and detached from the top of a 72-meter bell tower.

Why were two cranes required?

The operation required a tandem crane setup to safely handle positioning, reach, and precision while working at extreme height in a confined public square.

What challenges did the site present?

The church is located in a tight town square with minimal setup space, and the historic nature of the structure required careful planning and precise execution.

Why were Grove GMK4100L cranes chosen?

The cranes offer long boom reach, strong load charts, compact setup dimensions, and tilting operator cabs ideal for high, delicate lifts in restricted areas.

How long did the operation take?

Despite the complexity, the entire repair and replacement was completed in less than 24 hours.

Is Santoni Autogrù expanding its fleet?

Yes. The company is continuing its investment in Grove cranes and is set to receive a Grove GMK5150XL, selected for its extended boom length and competitive load charts.