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in Priorities Raises Crane Demand Shift Shift
By Lucy Perry CEG CORRESPONDENT
The total number of construction cranes on the job across the United States holds steady, but as “urban construction priorities” shift, collectively crane counts increased by 60 percent nationally. Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) found that development patterns are changing where and how cranes are being used. Research firm Market CAGR reports that growth also is driven by rising demand for infrastructure projects and technological advancements in crane machinery.
The first-quarter 2026 crane index, released by construction consultant RLB in March, gives a glimpse into construction activity in 18 major cities.
The quarterly report measures fixed tower cranes on active construction sites. It is meant to provide a direct indicator of the industry’s physical workload.
Crane Counts On Construction
Crane Counts On Construction
Projects Up By 60 Percent
Projects Up By 60 Percent
Cross-Country
Cross-Country
The firm said its findings show not only are development patterns are shifting but urban construction priorities are being reoriented.
“Among the cities tracked, eight recorded no change in crane counts, six reported decreases and four saw increases,” noted RLB. “This mix of activity points to a cautious but deliberate approach, as developers advance select projects while responding to broader economic conditions.”
Analyzing Both Crane Sector, General Construction
The report found that crane counts for commercial projects rose 60 percent, driven by new office, retail and mixed-use starts. Miami, Fla., posted a 55-percent increase, adding 18 cranes to its skyline. Other cities, including Chicago, saw growth in the hospitality and residential sectors.
continued on page 8
Adobe Stock photo
The U.S. construction industry is taking “a cautious but deliberate approach” in responding to broader economic conditions. As a result, crane numbers held steady during the first quarter of 2026.
STEPHENSON EQUIPMENT, INC. www.stephensonequipment.com
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New Jersey Corporate Headquarters 300 S. Randolphville Rd. Piscataway, NJ 08854 732-752-3600
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Pennsylvania Philadelphia Metro Area 120 Gordon Dr. Lionville, PA 19341 610-363-9200
Overall crane counts across North America remained consistent, as gains in some regions offset moderated activity in others, according to the index.
“The first quarter of 2026 reflects a measured but steady start to the year,” said Paul Brussow, president of RLB North America. “We are seeing owners and developers carefully evaluate long-term investment decisions while still advancing projects in key sectors.”
The data indicates a transition away from predominantly residential-driven expansion. Movement is toward a more diversified development landscape, with notable strength in commercial and mixed-use projects, he said.
In a separate report, RLB found the North American construction market “is finally finding its footing after several years of volatility.”
That report showed cost inflation is stabilizing, and the construction industry is shifting from short term, selective demand to broader market recalibration.
It is a scenario where developers can again plan and execute complex projects with greater confidence, said the consulting firm.
“While some private nonresidential spending has cooled, that softness is being offset by rising public infrastructure investment,” said the firm.
A resurgence in residential renovation also is offsetting the softening private nonresidential contracts.
Crews in Pennsylvania used a “snooper crane” to inspect the 127-year-old Layton Bridge over the Youghiogheny River in the western part of the state.
According to triblive.com, the inspection crew used an underbridge inspection unit (UBIU), from an oversized bucket truck.
The boom of the Snooper truck crane, designed and manufactured by Paxton-Mitchell Co., has five points of articulation.
From the truck cab, the operator can dip a crew of four or five people over the side and underneath the bridge to inspect the infrastructure.
The news website reported that the crew also analyzed the maintenance that has taken place over more than a century. PennDOT’s plan is to keep the original Layton Bridge in place while constructing its replacement.
“That means diving even deeper than the current mandatory sixmonth inspections on the structure, which was built in 1899,” said the triblive.com.
Developers are leaning into commercial and mixed-use projects, and those are the types of projects where cranes are most in-demand.
“At the same time, upstream indicators … show that owners and developers are using this period to reset project scopes and schedules,” said RLB.
When Minnesota DOT bridge inspectors started their bridge evaluation program in April, they went down the list of approximately 1,000 structures in District 6.
What the industry is logging in new starts more closely aligns with today’s economic realities, it added.
“Periods of rapid growth are naturally followed by moments of adjustment,” said Brussow. “What we’re seeing now is the industry moving away from reactive decision-making and into a period of refinement.”
The consistency in cost data allows for a level of planning difficult to achieve in previous years.
Brussow concluded that “the lesson for this market is not to retreat, but to refine” itself.
The Q1 2026 construction industry-wide report also flags key cost pressures that will shape project decisions this year, said the firm. Notably, material prices for steel and aluminum are rising, and ongoing uncertainty around trade and labor is adding complexity to long range planning.
“Even so, RLB’s data shows an industry that is resilient and adaptive,” said RLB. “Firms that emphasize productivity, embrace advanced procurement strategies and lock in pricing early are better positioned to protect budgets and schedules.”
Brussow emphasized that “this is a pivotal moment” for owners
The inspections are routine to ensure safety and monitor the effects of traffic, weather and other elements on the structure, according to KIMT.com.
The first inspections recently began in Olmsted County, using a UBIU on a truck crane.
The high vertical heights or span areas of the various bridges challenge crews tasked with inspecting underneath the structures.
to
under the structure from a truck crane parked on the bridge deck. Often dubbed “snooper cranes” after the Snooper truck manufactured by Paxton-Mitchell Co., these aerials are more commonly paired with drone technology these days, to help agencies save money and streamline inspections.
“A snooper truck is a specialty vehicle that has a multi-jointed arm with a basket attached at the end to hold the bridge inspectors,” said KIMT. “The equipment allows the inspection team to maneuver under the bridge while the truck is parked on the bridge deck.”
Paired with drone technology, UBIUs help agencies save money and make inspections smoother, said Under Bridge Platforms.
As studies on bridge inspection drones show, these new methods don’t just save time, stressed the bridge inspection equipment provider.
“They also make data more accurate and lower the risk of accidents” during the inspection process, said the company.
and public agencies. Projects that move forward with disciplined procurement and realistic scheduling can capture the benefits of a more predictable cost environment.
And if movement happens now, that predictability can be accomplished before the next cycle of acceleration begins.
CAGR maintains the U.S. mobile construction crane market has experienced impressive growth in recent years. The sector has expanded its market presence and product offerings. That success is attributed to a focus on research and development.
“Currently, the market is witnessing significant growth driven by increasing urbanization,” said CAGR.
Rising demand for infrastructure projects and technological advancements in crane machinery also are contributing to the sector’s success. The research firm projects a market growth rate of
Adobe Stock photo
The construction sector is shifting toward a more diversified development landscape.
Adobe Stock photo Under-Bridge Inspection Units (UBIUs) allows bridge inspection team
maneuver
9.7 percent CAGR during the period from 2026 to 2033.
“This growth can be attributed to continued investment in construction and infrastructure, particularly in renewable energy and transportation projects.”
The firm said key trends influencing the market include the integration of smart technology in cranes, enhancing their operational efficiency and safety.
“Additionally, the shift toward electric and hybrid cranes reflects a growing commitment to sustainability within the industry.”
Overall, said CAGR, the market is poised for robust expansion, driven by innovation, infrastructure development and more construction activity nationwide.
U.S. Tower Crane Permits Keep Rolling Along
Demand for tower cranes in construction is just as healthy, according to RLB’s latest report. The big rigs are at work in several major cities.
Tracking construction cranes at work in Chicago is buildingupchicago.com. The site updates crane counts for the metro area as they change.
New tower crane installations in March included one at 1010 South Wells. The tallest tower crane is on site at 400 Lake Shore building a 72-residential tower.
At Chicago’s Bally Casino, Building Up Chicago reports a 500room hotel tower is expected to open by the end of the year. The crane topped out on April 30.
In the Fulton Market District, a crane is building a 494-unit residential tower. “It’s within three or four stories of topping out,” reported the construction news site.
At Shedd Aquarium, a tower crane was disassembled in midMarch after completion of renovations on the aquarium.
Cranes are at work on a parking garage at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Health Campus and a 227-unit residential tower in the West Loop.
In March, cranes were on the way at O’Hare Airport’s Concourse D and on the first of two planned residential towers in Fulton Market.
The second of two cranes was recently disassembled and removed at the AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion in Hyde Park.
In Pasadena, Calif., a tower crane was being disassembled at a medical office building at the site of Huntington Hospital.
Advising the public of associated street and sidewalk closures, Colorado Boulevard newspaper said Huntington Health would oversee the disassembly.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Bay Lake, Fla., a tower crane installed last September is helping construct the Encanto ride building. Constructing the building’s framework, the tower crane has doubled the building’s size. Once the framework is completed, walls will be added.
According to wdwnt.com, the Encanto ride will be part of a new Tropical Americas land at the park.
Three years after groundbreaking, the tallest new building in Atlanta has reached its ultimate height and the tower crane helping build it is coming down.
In April, Rockefeller Group was finishing up exterior work on the 60-story mixed-use tower at 1072 West Peachtree.
Website Urbanize Atlanta reported that the tower crane became a fixture over Atlanta’s Midtown since its installation in 2023. CQ
Adobe Stock photo
Crane counts have increased by 60 percent across the country as urban construction priorities see a change.
GROVE Breathes New Life Into Wind Turbine Breathes New Life
In the Denklingen area of Bavaria, German crane rental company Schmidbauer completed a demanding and timecritical wind turbine project.
The company used its Grove GMK6400-1 to replace the bearings on all three turbine blades. The work included the removal of the rotor blades, the dismantling and refurbishment of the bearings and their reinstallation — a process requiring maximum precision and absolute reliability.
The GMK6400-1, which joined the Schmidbauer fleet in April 2024, was configured with 149 tons of ballast and a 54.6 m main boom. In addition, it was rigged with the MegaWingLift capacityenhancing attachment and a 179.1 ft. luffing jib.
In this configuration, the six-axle crane easily handled the maximum loads of up to 9.9 tons at a 128 ft. radius, lifting to a hook height of 403.5 ft. The combination of powerful Grove technology, efficient planning, precise processes and a wellcoordinated team, meant the work was completed in just three days — ahead of schedule and impressive proof of the speed, accuracy and strength of the crane.
“This job shows what is possible when technology, experience and teamwork come together seamlessly,” said Florian Zech, technical sales consultant of
Schmidbauer. “Our GMK6400-1 offers exactly the performance needed for complex wind energy applications. The fact that we were able to replace the blade bearings in only three days underscores the efficiency of our processes and the expertise of our team,” said Florian Zech, technical sales consultant of Schmidbauer.
The GMK6400-1 has been succeeded by the GMK6450-1 in the Grove product line, representing the most powerful six-axle crane currently available in the lineup. It impresses with strong lifting capacities, modern control technology and compact dimensions, making it a perfect choice for complex tasks in the wind industry — from installation and repairs to the replacement of large components, according to Grove. The crane’s short setup times, flexibility and high performance make it a tool for modern wind power jobs.
As one of Germany’s leading crane rental companies, Schmidbauer is known for the quality and reliability of its services. With a modern fleet of machines, experienced specialists and tailor-made solutions, the familyowned company supports projects in the industry, energy, construction and infrastructure sectors — from initial planning to final implementation.
For more information, visit manitowoc. com.
Grove photo
The Grove GMK6400-1 was rigged with its MegaWingLift, which provides load chart improvements.
Grove photo
The Grove GMK6400-1 delivers 179 ft. of main boom paired with 239.5 ft. of luffing jib on the project.
Altaequipment.com
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LINK-BELT TCC-800 VITAL TO MAJOR FLORIDA PROJECT PRELIM WORK
TCC-800
a greaseless 120.1-ft. full-power
A.W.A. Contracting Co. Inc. (AWA) has completed preliminary foundation work for a new 4,700-acre masterplanned development off the U.S. 1 corridor in northern Palm Coast, Fla.
The St. Augustine, Fla.-based company lifted 270 pieces of sheet piling with a Link-Belt Cranes TCC-800 telecrawler rented from local Link-Belt Cranes distributor, Kelly Tractor.
The 80-ton TCC-800 features a greaseless 120.1-ft. full-power boom, allowing the operator to quickly telescope the boom for picking sheet piling of various lengths. Its 10-in. touchscreen Pulse 2.0 display offers fine metering that allows operators to reduce winch speeds, enabling smooth controlled handling of the piling, according to Link-Belt.
“We rented the crane initially for six weeks, but the production was such that we cut it down to a month,” said Allen.“This won’t be the last time we use one of these Link-Belts. I will get another one for the next job like this.”
Artie Allen
Link-Belt Cranes photo
A.W.A. Contracting Co. Inc. completed preliminary foundation work for a new 4,700-acre masterplanned development off the U.S. 1 corridor in northern Palm Coast, Fla.
Link-Belt Cranes photo
The 80-ton
features
boom, allowing the operator to quickly telescope the boom for picking sheet piling of various lengths.
“The sheet piling we drove for this project ranged from 56 to 69 feet,” said Artie Allen, owner and president of AWA.
“The Link‑Belt fed an ABI pile driving machine that drove the piling down to a 56‑foot depth from ground level.”
Nearly 5,000 residential units have been permitted for the project, and the TCC 800 and foundation equipment worked between an 88 ft. long bridge that will connect multiple segments of the development between groves of existing pine forest.
“We demucked about 13 feet of topsoil and laid sand back down to convert this lower plane to a stabilized area for driving pile and eventually the road network that will form this neighborhood,” said Allen.
Each piling weighed 14,000 lbs. and was smoothly picked and carried by the TCC 800 from a loading yard to a pile driving machine for eventual placement.
“We rented the crane initially for six weeks, but the production was such that we cut it down to a month,” said Allen. “This won’t be the last time we use one of these Link Belts. I will get another one for the next job like this.”
For more information, visit linkbelt. com.
Link-Belt Cranes photo
Each piling weighed 14,000 lbs. and was smoothly picked and carried by the TCC-800 from a loading yard to a pile driving machine for eventual placement.
Link-Belt Cranes photo
Nearly 5,000 residential units have been permitted for the project.
Craning
Tadano Features All-Terrain Cranes at ConExpo 2026
Tadano spotlighted two all-terrain crane models offering 300- and 350-ton capacities at ConExpo 2026. Both the AC 5.250L-2 and AC 6.300-1 were on display in Las Vegas as Tadano continues to bring all-terrain cranes to customers around the globe.
These machines are engineered for performance across various environments, combining power and maneuverability to suit both urban construction sites and remote locations.
The AC 5.250L-2 sits in the 5-axle class with its 259.2-ft. side pinning main boom system, and the maximum main boom extension of 98.4 ft. also is “best in class,” according to Tadano.
At ConExpo 2026, attendees saw a new bi-fold jib (32.8 ft./62.3 ft. + 3.6 ft. adapter) on this machine. All available main boom extensions from 19.0 to 98.4 ft. are self-erecting. The available maximum system length of 357.6 ft. makes the AC 5.250L-2 the ideal crane for urban applications, for example for lifting air conditioning units over obstructions onto tall buildings, according to Tadano. In addition, it also is suited to the assembly of large tower cranes.
The AC 5.250L-2 features optimized rigging solutions — remote control, self-leveling outriggers and automatic counterweight rigging.
This crane can pick up its maximum counterweight of 176,400 lbs. in three lifts: 109,300 lbs. with a radius of up to 22.3 ft. at a
maximum load capacity of the crane in real time for each boom position depending on the slewing angle of the superstructure. The surround view camera system also is available as an option for the Tadano AC 5.250L-2, making it easier for the crane operator to position the crane on the construction site.
The AC 6.300-1 is a compact 6-axle all-terrain known for jobsite accessibility. With its 262.5-ft. main boom and lifting power, the 350-ton powerhouse checks every box for tight job sites and tall challenges, according to Tadano.
The AC 6.300-1 boasts high lifting capacity on a fully telescoped main boom with 33,100 lbs. Equipped with an optional luffing jib, this AT provides a strong chart — making it an optimal choice for the evolving demands of modern construction, according to Tadano.
The AC 6.300-1 features a new removable outrigger box which helps to optimize transportation in many regions. In addition, the many components of this machine are shared with Tadano allterrain cranes, reducing the number of spare parts you need to
Tadano photo Tadano spotlighted two all-terrain crane models at ConExpo 2026, including the AC 6.300-1.
Link-Belt Wins Energy Performance Excellence Award
Link-Belt Cranes will receive the 2026 SAAZ Energy Performance Excellence Award for its investment in energy efficiency, cost savings and overall operational performance.
The award is provided by Big Shine Energy of Newburgh, N.Y., a global leader in turnkey solutions for HVAC and solar energy.
Link-Belt is recognized for its rooftop solar photovoltaic installation at its headquarters in Lexington, Ky., showcasing its commitment to reducing energy costs, improving operational resilience and advancing long-term sustainability goals. The installation generates up to 915,800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar energy annually, offsetting electrical usage and projecting a total lifecycle savings exceeding $1.5 million.
“With an Environmental Management System certified by ISO 14001, Link-Belt Cranes continuously works toward its foundational objectives of ‘Recycle, Reuse and Reduce,’” said Richard Shultz, vice president of manufacturing. “Our initial solar array investment in 2023 with expansions in ‘24 and ‘25 demonstrates our commitment to reduce electricity consumption from the grid and reduce the production of greenhouse gases. Big Shine has played an integral role in this strategy, and the Link-Belt team appreciates its recognition.”
The installation includes 1,302 solar panels, contributing 35,000 sq. ft. of on-site paneling. Big Shine’s annual SAAZ, standing for “Sustainability Awards Approaching Zero,” campaign recognizes LinkBelt for its measurable progress in energy performance and decarbonization efforts.
Link-Belt will formally receive the award at the SAAZ 2026 Strategic Energy Forum on May 28, 2026, in Hoboken, N.J.
Link-Belt is recognized for its rooftop solar photovoltaic installation at its headquarters in Lexington, Ky., showcasing its commitment to reducing energy costs, improving operational resilience and advancing long-term sustainability goals.
Link-Belt Cranes photo The installation includes 1,302 solar panels, contributing 35,000 sq. ft. of on-site paneling.
Link-Belt Cranes photo
Link-Belt is recognized for its rooftop solar photovoltaic installation at its headquarters in Lexington, Ky.
Leading the Way
M M
ammoet has taken delivery of the first 165-ton Grove Plug-in Hybrid all-terrain crane, the GMK5150L1e. The handover of the new Grove GMK5150L-1e took place in Breda, The Netherlands, at Manitowoc’s Dutch sales and service facility.
Plug-In Hybrid Technology
The Grove GMK5150L-1e features a 197 ft. main boom and is part of Grove’s electrified all-terrain crane product line. Its sister model, the GMK5150XLe, equipped with a 225.4 ft. main boom, was unveiled at bauma 2025.
With a maximum lifting capacity of 165 tons, the GMK5150L-1e provides emission-free lifting operations without compromising performance or mobility, according to Grove. The crane retains the full flexibility of a conventional dieselpowered all-terrain crane while offering electric operation of the superstructure via
Mammoet Receives World’s First Grove Plug-In Hybrid All-Terrain Crane
a 160 kWh battery pack, allowing zeroemission lifting on site.
Customer-centric engineering was a key focus throughout the development process. Manitowoc’s engineering team worked closely with customers to gain a deep understanding of real-world jobsite requirements. The Mammoet team’s valuable feedback was thoroughly evaluated and used in designing the crane. As a result of this partnership, sufficient battery capacity was ensured to maintain continuous operations and optimal performance.
“The close collaboration with Mammoet
was highly appreciated and positively received by the entire Grove team,” said Andreas Cremer, vice president, product management, mobile cranes of Manitowoc. “We look forward to continuing this exchange in the future. The battery capacity was precisely sized based on a comprehensive job profile analysis to ensure full operational coverage. Combined with the ‘charge-while-driving’ feature, the new Grove Plug-in Hybrid cranes deliver exceptional flexibility and independence — capable of handling even the toughest jobs without relying on grid charging.”
The GMK5150L-1e/GMK5150XLe Plugin Hybrid cranes offer multiple charging options, including DC fast charging, 32A/400 V AC charging and a 163 kW on-board generator. A unique feature of
Manitowoc photo
Hermen Kamp (L), manager assets of Mammoet Global, and Rolf Klooster, regional sales director of Manitowoc, during the handover of the new Grove GMK5150L-1e in Breda.
the crane is its independent ‘charge-whiledriving’ capability, making the GMK5150L1e and GMK5150XLe the most versatile Plug-in Hybrid all-terrain cranes on the market. This allows the battery to be recharged while traveling to and from the job site, significantly enhancing operational flexibility.
“We are extremely proud of the development of the Plug-in Hybrid GMK cranes,” said Cremer. “The independent ‘charge-while-driving’ function gives us a clear competitive advantage and sets new standards in electrified crane technology and sustainable heavy lifting. It helps our customers meet — and exceed — both commercial and environmental objectives.”
Sustainability, Operational Reliability
For Mammoet, sustainability is a decisive factor in project execution.
“Sustainability is one of the key drivers of our business,” said Eelco de Leeuw, operations manager of Mammoet. “In the Netherlands and beyond, requirements are increasing rapidly. Cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague already enforce zero-emission targets for many projects, and carbon footprints are increasingly evaluated before contracts are awarded.”
At the same time, limited charging
infrastructure remains a challenge on many job sites.
“Charging facilities can be unavailable, and that is why we are delighted to receive a Plug-in Hybrid all-terrain crane that can charge while driving and has its own on-board generator,” said de Leeuw. “Even without electricity at the job site, the GMK5150L-1e allows us to reliably complete our projects. Most importantly, it operates electrically and independently.”
Operator-Focused Design
Beyond sustainability, operator comfort was another key factor driving Mammoet’s purchasing decision. The GMK5150L1e offers significantly lower noise levels during operation, creating a quieter, more comfortable working environment while maintaining full all-terrain crane performance.
“Through Manitowoc’s Voice of the Customer program, we actively contributed to the development of this crane. Our technical teams and crane operators were involved from the very beginning of the GMK5150L-1e/GMK5150XLe project, providing extensive feedback that was clearly
listened to. From our perspective, this crane is a true success,” said de Leeuw.
Award-Winning All-Terrain Crane
In 2025, the Grove GMK5150XLe received major international recognition for its design and technology. It was awarded the “Prix de l’Innovation” by JDL Groupe in France and the “Premio Potencia 2025 — Categoría Elevación, manipulación y transporte de cargas” by Revista Potencia/ Interempresas Media in Spain, underlining its outstanding contribution to innovation, efficiency and sustainability in the lifting industry.
The GMK5150XLe was entered into the ESTA Awards of Excellence 2026 in the “Innovation” category, and it was selected as a finalist by the jury, which highlights its leading contribution to advancing loweremission lifting solutions.
For more information, visit manitowoc. com.
The Grove GMK5150L-1e for Mammoet leaves the Manitowoc facility in Breda, fully equipped for deployment to its first job site. Manitowoc photo
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