Issuu

AMERICAN CRANES & TRANSPORT

October 2026

The magazine for the crane, lifting and transport industry INTERVIEW

www.craneandtransportbriefing.com A KHL Group Publication

Arrowhead Winch’s Blake Chandler p14

INDUSTRY BRIEFING

Remote controls

Official domestic magazine of the SC&RA

p35

PRODUCT FOCUS

Boom trucks p25

Heavy metal

Deep South's record field lift

p44

Italian Ingenuity Arrives in the USA For 50+ years, Officine CLP has engineered heavy lift equipment that redefines efficiency and safety in complex industrial environments. Engineered Rigging introduces CLP’s ultra-compact LG Series and highcapacity T Series gantries to North and South America.

CLP LG202-0750 Full Capacity at Full Extension: Delivers a true 220 tons with four legs (110 tons with two legs) up to 24.5 ft. Meticulous System Design: Every hydraulic line and internal control component is precisely routed, resulting in an ultra-clean layout that maximizes safety and simplifies maintenance. Internally Ported Cylinders: Eliminate exposed hydraulic hoses, snag hazards and potential leak points. Self-Contained Power Packs: Integrated electric hydraulics in each leg ensure fast deployment, quiet performance and completely hose-free operation. Smart Wireless Precision: Two LCD radio remotes monitor automated leveling, synchronized travel and real-time load data. Remote Diagnostics: Built-in cellular connection allows quick offsite troubleshooting to prevent jobsite delays.

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7/16/26 2:15 PM

WHO’S WHO AT KHL

EDITOR’S LETTER Editorial

Editor in chief D.Ann Slayton Shiffler d.ann.shiffler@khl.com | 512 868 7482

Managing editor Mitchell Keller mitchell.keller@khl.com | 262 290 6083

International editor Alex Dahm | alex.dahm@khl.com SC&RA correspondent Mike Chalmers Director of content Murray Pollok

Media Production

Client success & delivery manager Charlotte Kemp | charlotte.kemp@khl.com Client success & delivery team Ben Fisher | ben.fisher@khl.com Olivia Radcliffe | olivia.radcliffe@khl.com Alex Thomson | alex.thomson@khl.com Cuan Hansbury | cuan.hansbury@khl.com Group designer Jade Hudson

Circulation

Audience development manager Anna Philo | anna.philo@khl.com

Events

Events manager Steve Webb Events design manager Gary Brinklow Creative designer Kate Brown

Sales

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Client success & digital director Peter Watkinson peter.watkinson@khl.com

Chief financial officer Paul Baker Chief executive officer James King

KHL GROUP AMERICAS LLC 11811 N Tatum Blvd, Ste P118 Phoenix, AZ 85028 americas@khl.com

www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

Riding high

f all the crane classes, I’ve always been partial to boom trucks. This may sound strange, since most people would vote for a crawler or all-terrain crane as the most interesting, capable and technologically astute crane on the market. The boom truck might be the low man on the totem pole – or, in this case, crane – but these machines really get the job done. And their evolution over the past 30 years has been quite interesting, if not fascinating. One of the more trivial reasons I like boom trucks is that I live in Georgetown, Texas, where Tadano Manitex boom trucks are made. The Georgetown High School homecoming parade always featured a Manitex boom truck with the cheerleading squad riding high on the flat bed. (Yes, my daughters were both cheerleaders.) But I digress. In his continuing effort to learn about and report on the various crane classes, Mitch Keller addresses the boom truck market in this month’s Product Focus. He reports that boom truck demand mirrors that of the rough-terrain and telescopic-crawler markets. “You’ve probably noted a pattern in our monthly Product Focus,” Keller wrote. “Ask a rough-terrain crane manufacturer how business is going this year, and the answer comes back as some version of steady; customers are thinking harder before they buy, and when they do, they’re buying bigger. Ask a telescopiccrawler manufacturer the same question, and the answer is nearly identical. Boom trucks, it turns out, are no different from the macro trends across crane and transport OEMs.” Keller also conducted our Q&A interview this month with the new CEO of Arrowhead Winch, Blake Chandler. It’s a must-read. Another interesting feature this month is our Regional Report: Mexico. I asked three experts who work daily in the crane, rigging and specialized transportation sectors in Mexico for their input. MPE’s Alvaro Rodriguez, Tradelossa’s Hugo Castillo and International Industrial Contracting Corporation’s Ken Goddard provide a compelling look at the market in Mexico. After 21 years as editor of ACT, I’ve learned to sniff out stories. As we were preparing for this issue, I thought to myself, “I wonder what’s going on with Deep South?” While I see the management team at SC&RA meetings, it had been a while since I checked in. Within minutes of my inquiry to Kate Landry Varisco, she told me about a recent lift made with their legendary VersaCrane. It was the company’s heaviest field lift. Our cover story chronicles this amazing rigging feat that involved expert engineering and problem solving extraordinaire. Other topics covered this month include spreader bars and lifting beams, remote-control operations and simulator training. And finally, it’s Fall at last, an ideal time to let us know what’s going on with your people, jobs and equipment.

KHL CRANE & TRANSPORT PORTFOLIO AMERICAN CRANES & TRANSPORT

October 2026

The magazine for the crane, lifting and transport industry www.craneandtransportbriefing.com A KHL Group Publication

INTERVIEW

Arrowhead Winch’s Blake Chandler

www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

Official domestic magazine of the SC&RA

INDUSTRY BRIEFING

Remote controls p35

Specialized Transport Manufacturers’ Directory 2026 Events Diary

p25

Top Lists

Heavy metal

Deep South's record field lift

p44

Official domestic magazine of the SC&RA

INTERNATIONAL

CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPECIALIZED CARRIERS & RIGGING ASSOCIATION

WHAT WE DO

Manufacturers’ and Services Directory

PRODUCT FOCUS

Boom trucks

To fully understand the history of the SC&RA, one must recognize and understand the tasks of the companies that are members of this distinguished Association. These companies have performed and continue to achieve truly legendary work, helping to build monumental projects around the globe. The lifting, rigging and specialized transportation industry is revered for its creativity, innovative solutions and shrewd ability to take on what would seem to be impossible. This industry accomplishes amazing feats by developing equipment – cranes, trailers and trailer systems, gantries, rigging gear, technologies, processes and best practices that safely lift and move the world. Every five years, SC&RA focuses on top priorities to bring exceptional value to members and the industry. As part of this Strategic Plan, the SC&RA Board identified six significant priorities and objectives: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Strengthen the support and resources that equip members to address their workforce needs. ADVOCACY: Clearly define advocacy goals and aggressively communicate its value. MEMBER INVOLVEMENT: Increase member involvement with an emphasis on building a pipeline of new talent for volunteer leadership positions. TECHNOLOGY: Capitalize on technology to engage members and expand the delivery of SC&RA programs and services. GLOBAL LEADERSHIP: Strengthen SC&RA’s global leadership position. OPERATION OBJECTIVES: Retool the dues structure to address the impact of mergers and acquisitions and market changes; restructure the SC&RA insurance program; and continue the quality of leadership and staff at SC&RA.

KHL Group 14269 N 87th Street, Suite 205 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 USA www.khl.com

CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPECIALIZED CARRIERS & RIGGING ASSOCIATION

Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association 5870 Trinity Parkway, Suite 200 Centreville, VA 20120 USA www.scranet.org

This book is a celebration of the people, families, companies, equipment and jobs that are genuinely prolific and truly legendary. Aside from the grit and determination, all these entities have something in common – the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association. As SC&RA marks its 75th anniversary, this book commemorates the accomplishments of the industry served by the SC&RA. The Association has been a catalyst for change and progress. The Association’s mission is to advocate, educate and provide networking opportunities that help industry stakeholders operate safely, legally and profitably around the world. The Association endeavors to help its members run more efficient and safer businesses by monitoring and affecting pending legislation and regulatory policies at the state and national levels. SC&RA researches and reports on safety concerns and best business practices. As well, the Association provides forums where these and other relevant member issues can be discussed and advanced.

www.craneandtransportbriefing.com JULY-AUGUST 2026 | KHL Group publication

PORT TRANS NEWS AL SPECI

OPINION:

The discipline of load engineering SAFETY TECHNOLOGY:

In and around tower cranes LIFTING ACCESSORIES AND BELOW THE HOOK:

AUTHOR: Jeff Hampton

Beam me up

PUBLISHER AND EXECUTIVE EDITOR: D.Ann Slayton Shiffler COVER DESIGN: Jeff Gilbert PRICE: $59.99

IC Transport 50: Mega handling PLUS: SC&R A CR ANE AND R IG G ING WOR KSHOP PR EVIEW

Published by KHL Group OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

,IFTING¬ ¬ -OVING¬ THE¬7ORLD #ELEBRATING¬THE¬ TH¬ ANNIVERSARY¬OF¬THE¬ 3PECIALIZED¬#ARRIERS¬ ¬ 2IGGING¬!SSOCIATION

ACT100 ACTTRANSPORT50 ACTSPECIALIZEDLIFTING50 ACTTOWERCRANE50

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www.worldcraneweek.com AMERICAN CRANES & TRANSPORT

October 2026

The magazine for the crane, lifting and transport industry INTERVIEW

www.craneandtransportbriefing.com A KHL Group Publication

Arrowhead Winch’s Blake Chandler p14

INDUSTRY BRIEFING

Remote controls

Official domestic magazine of the SC&RA

p35

PRODUCT FOCUS

Boom trucks p25

D.ANN SLAYTON SHIFFLER Editor

KHL Group Americas, 30325 Oak Tree Drive, Georgetown TX 78628 +1 512-868-7482 | d.ann.shiffler@khl.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: Annual subscription rate is $301. Free subscriptions are given on a controlled circulation basis to readers who fully complete a Reader Subscription Form and qualify under our terms of control. The publisher reserves the right to refuse subscription to non-qualified readers. To register for your copy head to www.khl.com/free-subscription

A KHL Group Publication

North American Crane Guide

p14

Heavy metal

Deep South's record field lift

p44

Follow American Cranes & Specialized Transport on issuu and enjoy every issue on your phone or tablet, anytime

Scan the QR code to find us on LinkedIn: Crane and Transport Briefing

OCTOBER 2026 ACT

BT Range

Choice in Motion Free-swing for versatility, non-free-swing for pinpoint accuracy

Operator Comfort Curved glass cab with tilting design superior visibility

Smart LMI Display Offers overload protection, event logging, and Work Area Definition System (WADS) for safe, precise operation.

One-Touch Auto Leveling

Smart Outrigger Safety

Automatically levels the machine

Out-and-down outriggers with position

at the push of a button

monitoring and motion alarm for maximum stability and operator alertness.

Tadano boom trucks give your crew the control, comfort and smart technology needed to work safer and more efficiently. “Choice in Motion” delivers free-swing versatility or non-free-swing precision. A curved glass, tilting cab enhances visibility and comfort, while the Smart LMI display with WADS keeps lifts accurate and protected. One-touch auto leveling and smart outrigger safety systems maximize stability and operator confidence on every job. Take a closer look at what Tadano can do for your business.

Take a closer look at Tadano.

www.tadano.com

TDN_TakeACloserLook_BT_Range_ACT_7.875x10.75.indd 1

10.09.26 15:41

ON THE INSIDE

www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

ON THE OUTSIDE

AMERICAN CRANES & TRANSPORT

October 2026

14 INTERVIEW

The magazine for the crane, lifting and transport industry INTERVIEW

www.craneandtransportbriefing.com A KHL Group Publication

New Arrowhead Winch CEO Blake Chandler is keeping the customer first.

Arrowhead Winch’s Blake Chandler p14

Official domestic magazine of the SC&RA

INDUSTRY BRIEFING

Remote controls p35

PRODUCT FOCUS

Boom trucks

19 RIGGING MATTERS

p25

Dan Mongan reports on the factors impacting selection and configuration of below-the-hook equipment.

Heavy metal

Deep South's record field lift

p44

Deep South used it’s VersaCrane TC-36000 for its heaviest field lift in company history. See p 44. ISSN No: 1555-1830 (print) ISSN No: 2995-9136 (online) OCTOBER 2026 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 10 © Copyright KHL Group Americas LLC 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. American Cranes & Transport makes every effort to ensure that editorial and advertising information carried in the magazine is true and accurate, but KHL Group Americas LLC cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies and the views expressed throughout the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. KHL Group Americas LLC cannot be held liable for any matters resulting from the use of information held in the magazine. The publisher is not liable for any costs or damages should advertisement material not be published. ACT is published 11 times a year by KHL Group Americas LLC, 11811 N. Tatum Blvd, Suite P118, Phoenix, AZ 85028. This issue is mailed on October 1, 2026. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Annual subscription rate is $301. Free subscriptions are given on a controlled circulation basis to readers who fully complete a Reader Subscription Form and qualify under our terms of control. The publisher reserves the right to refuse subscription to non-qualified readers.

ASSOCIATIONS

PUBLISHED BY

FEATURES

25 PRODUCT FOCUS BOOM TRUCKS

35 INDUSTRY BRIEFING REMOTE CONTROLS

Reed Miller shares how to choose and use the right radio remote systems. 41 REGIONAL REPORT MEXICO

Mexico’s heavy haul and rigging sector is evolving into a compliance-driven, technically demanding market.

The versatile machines remain important to key markets, with manufacturers sizing up. Mitchell Keller reports.

44 SITE REPORT RIGGING

31 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT SIMULATOR TRAINING

DEPARTMENTS

Alan Limoges discusses how simulation and AI tech are reshaping crane operator training.

Rigging two reactors required customized solutions by Deep South’s team.

7 NEWS/EVENTS

Check out the latest headlines, project updates and industry developments, including a preveiw of the AWRF Fall conference. 51 CCO CERTIFICATION NEWS

Strong safety cultures are built through education and sound, small decisions. 74 MOVING UP Official domestic magazine of the SC&RA

47 SC&RA COMMENT

How should the industry respond to recent data center developments? Joel Dandrea discusses. 48 SC&RA NEWS

Celebrating 40 years of the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Foundation (SC&RF). 53 RISK MANAGEMENT

Mike Gillen discusses loss runs and what underwriters look for from companies. www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

Spotlighting people, promotions and progress.

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Research links crane operator certification to improved jobsite safety

n Goldhofer hosted its Innovation Days September 1011 in Memmingen, Germany. More than 600 customers from the global heavy transport community attended the event that featured new product launches and technical presentations across the company’s product lines. Among the product highlights were the new PST/SL-ES (285), the world premiere of the ATLAS 3, the expansion of the ATLAS family, the E-PowerPack, the economically optimized PST/ES-E (315), the new STEPSTAR MPA, the FT SERIES and a new THP/SL with a 45ton axle load manufactured in India for Asia markets. A popular exhibit was Goldhofer’s Innovation Lab, where customers got to preview a range of development projects and concept studies that point to the future of the industry.

PHOTO: NCCCO

he NCCCO Foundation and the National Safety Council's Work to Zero program published new research examining the relationship between formal crane operator certification, workforce competency and jobsite safety. The report draws on existing research, national fatality data and survey responses and interviews with crane personnel to assess the impact of the 2010 OSHA Cranes and Derricks in Construction rule. More than 90 percent of survey respondents said certified personnel improve jobsite safety, technical competence and career prospects. Nearly three-quarters support extending certification requirements beyond crane operators to riggers and signalpersons. Crane-related fatalities in construction fell from an average of 36 deaths a year before the rule to 17.4 after it, a 51 percent drop. But an interrupted time series analysis found fatalities were

already declining at 4 percent a year before 2010 took effect, and the model found no statistically significant change in fatality levels at either the

Ematec launches yoke rental German manufacturer Ematec used WindEnergy 2026 in Hamburg to unveil a rental offering for its RBC-D rotor blade yoke, the only yoke on the market with an adaptive blade gripping system compatible with all rotor blade types regardless of size, weight or manufacturer. The RBC-D handles wind blade weights up to 55 tons and accommodates current high-output turbine generations including Enercon’s E-175 EP5 E2 and the Vensys 175. The yoke’s curved arch keeps it aligned with the center of gravity when tilted up to ±30 degrees or pitched up to ±8 degrees, with two counterweights on the yoke wings adjusting automatically to the center of gravity with or without a blade attached. Also unveiled at WindEnergy was the Ematec Diagonal Pull Sensor (DPS), a two-axis side-pull sensor system for cranes. The wireless unit, comprising a battery-powered sensor unit and ground unit communicating in real time, gives crane operators a graphical readout of hook block alignment on X and Y axes. The system uses different radio frequencies depending on continent, covering the Americas and Asia. PHOTO: YOKE

BRIEFLY

NEWS

rule's 2010 introduction or its 2018 finalization. The report attributed the decline to the cumulative effect of certification, training and safety culture improvements since the 1990s, not the rule itself. The report found that confidence gains after certification were strongest in classroom-taught skills like hazard identification and load chart interpretation and weakest in judgment-heavy work like load handling and crew coordination. Just 35 percent of respondents said they receive refresher training annually or more; the largest share train only once every four to five years, aligned with renewal cycles rather than operational need. n OCTOBER 2026 ACT

Research links crane operator certification to improved jobsite safety

PHOTO: NCCCO

already declining at 4 percent a year before 2010 took effect, and the model found no statistically significant change in fatality levels at either the

BRIEFLY

NEWS

NEXT UP

NEWS

New Tadano crawler on U.S. data center build

2026-27

OCTOBER 18-21 AWRF FALL GENERAL MEETING & 50TH ANNIVERSARY Maui, Hawaii Wailea Beach Resort Marriot awrf.org

JANUARY 18-21 POWERGEN Salt Lake City, Utah Salt Palace Convention Center powergen.com

new Tadano GTC-600-2 crawler crane delivered to Scott Powerline and Utility Equipment completed its first deployment. Contracted by Chain Electric Company, the

PHOTO: TADANO

For all trade show listings, scan the QR code or visit: www.khl.com/ all-events-diary

The crane operator can set zone limits for swing angle, height and radius. If the crane approaches these limits it will initiate a soft stop. Additionally, the crawler includes the Tadano AML-C rated capacity indicator, with operating load charts for 0.5, 1.5, 2.5 and 4 degrees of slope. The 60-ton teleboom crawler can be moved on one haul truck. n

n Enerpac, a U.S.-based manufacturer of high-pressure hydraulic tools and equipment, launched the Intelli-Lift 2.0, a wireless gantry controller for hydraulic gantry systems that adds operator-defined lift limits, enhanced load monitoring and synchronous control of up to eight gantries. The controller uses dual 2.4 GHz and Ultra-Wideband wireless to maintain uninterrupted operation in high radio-frequency environments common on industrial and construction sites. It’s compatible with Enerpac’s SL- and SBL-Series gantries. Its seven-inch HD touchscreen displays lift status, joystick control and load and stroke data via color-coded status bands. Dual joysticks with proportional speed control handle lifting, side shift and horizontal travel. New to this generation is the ability for operators to define operating limits – including maximum lift height – to suit the load and automatic data logging.

A Tadano GTC-600-2 crawler crane works a data center job in Mississippi.

Engineered Rigging received the first Officine CLP hydraulic gantry crane for the U.S. market, an LG132 shipped directly from CLP’s facility in Borgo San Dalmazzo, Italy.

The LG132 is the first of nine models in the Italian manufacturer’s LG Series to arrive in the country. The LG132 can lift up to 140 tons on four legs to a max height of 24.6 feet, while

PHOTO: CLP

The Officine CLP LG132 is the first unit to arrive from the LG series in the USA.

8 ACT OCTOBER 2026

weighing about 6,000 pounds per leg. The unit features a two-stage cylinder design engineered to maintain full rated capacity through both stages, eliminating the capacity reduction typical of secondstage cylinder extensions. The LG Series comprises nine models with load capacities ranging from 60 to 400 metric tons on four legs and lifting heights up to 8.8 meters. Engineered Rigging said the series is designed for tight clearances common in data centers, manufacturing plants and warehouses. The gantries use Bosch Rexroth hydraulics and Siemens electrical systems. Engineered Rigging announced a distribution agreement with Officine CLP earlier this year, giving it exclusive rights to sell and distribute CLP equipment across North and South America. n

PHOTO: ENERPAC

First CLP hydraulic gantry in U.S.

www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

BRIEFLY

FEBRUARY 16-18 SC&RA SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION SYMPOSIUM Addison, Texas Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel scranet.org

crawler crane was part of the project to install eight miles of new 230 kV transmission towers to support a new data center located in Meridian, Mississippi (read more about the data center market on p 47). The 60-ton GTC-600-2 builds on the features of its 55-ton predecessor. It has jib capacities to 2.5 degrees out of level, dual hook operation with auxiliary nose sheave or jib, power winches with 16 mm rope and remote control for all rigging operations. A closed-loop hydrostatic system provides operators with smooth and precise control.

Compact and strong, transport in one LTR 1150 The most economical transport concept in its class! No other telescopic crawler crane in this lifting capacity class can be transported in full with its crawler carriers on one low loader. All the counterweight can be ballasted on the crane with just four hoists. And for the first time: the well-trusted VarioBase® lifting capacity calculation now on a crawler crane, for three fixed track widths. www.liebherr.com

Mobile and crawler cranes

www.kcmu-cranes.com

n Hiab’s order book grew 16 percent in the second quarter according to the company’s half-year financial report. The Finland-based load-handling equipment manufacturer reported sales broadly flat at $465 million.

PSC moves transformers from Kentucky barge to Ohio

SC Crane & Rigging completed the transloading, transport and final positioning of three 250 MVA

Mammoet and Japan crane rental firm sign MOU Mammoet Japan KK signed a memorandum of understanding with Japanese mobile crane rental company Tokyo Juki to deploy Mammoet's super heavy lift equipment on Japanese project sites. The agreement addresses growing demand for heavy lifting capability in Japan as modular construction becomes more prevalent and module sizes and weights increase. Importing super heavy lift equipment into Japan requires local compliance, statutory certification and operational expertise under Japanese regulations; factors the MOU is designed to navigate by combining Mammoet's equipment and engineering capabilities with Tokyo Juki's domestic experience and site resources. Mammoet's super heavy lift cranes, with capacity over 6,000 tons, target applications including offshore wind, nuclear construction and decommissioning, infrastructure and oil and gas. The partnership also supports Mammoet's broader strategy of engaging at the earliest project stage to optimize lift and transport planning. Japan's offshore wind and nuclear construction pipeline mirrors infrastructure investment trends playing out across North America, where demand for super heavy lift capability is similarly outpacing available equipment. www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

transformers, each weighing approximately 347,500 pounds, from a barge landing on the Licking River in Wilder, Kentucky, to a substation site in Trenton, Ohio. The operation required each transformer to move from barge to land via 10 lines of SPMT, transfer onto heavyhaul over-the-road trailers for a 67-mile highway journey, then reverse the process at the destination; transferring back onto SPMT for a final half-mile move into position for jack-and-slide installation onto permanent foundations. A flood on the Licking River one week before the scheduled barge delivery complicated the river landing significantly. The site had no barge securement points, was obstructed by

scrap iron left from a previous bridge salvage operation and flooding had deposited mud across the landing area. PSC mobilized RJ Corman Rail Services, which supplied two 80,000-pound dozers with rear-drive winches, to secure the barge to the riverbank. PSC crews cleared the scrap iron, scraped away mud, installed and compacted fresh stone, then used swamp mats and steel plates to build an elevated transition radius allowing the SPMT to move safely from barge to land. At the Wilder landing, PSC used its 700-ton hydraulic gantry to transload each transformer from SPMT onto the OTR trailers. At the Trenton destination, a 900-ton hydraulic gantry transferred each unit back onto SPMT for the final move. Two 100-ton hydraulic cranes supported gantry assembly operations throughout. n PHOTO: MAMMOET

n Barnhart Canada’s team in Acheson, Alberta completed a seven-day heavy haul operation in Edmonton involving a large tapered industrial column. The unit measured 77.64 meters long, 6.5 meters wide and 7.92 meters high, and weighed nearly 530 metric tons. The load rode on 352 tires over 745 kilometers. A gantry system loaded the column onto self-propelled modular transporters (SPMT), with three cranes transferring it to highway trailers for the road journey.

PSC uses a Grove all-terrain crane to lift key project components onto a 10-line SPMT.

PHOTO: PSC

BRIEFLY

PHOTO: BARNHART

NEWS

Signing the MOU at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan. From left: Yusuke Kakinuma, Jack van den Brink, Gilles Beschoor Plug and Taku Tsuruoka. OCTOBER 2026 ACT

NEWS

AWRF celebrates 50th at Fall meeting

and explore the latest trends shaping our industry.” Opening the event is Mark Matthews, a surfer and motivational speaker. Through his career as a professional Big Wave surfer and Red Bull Athlete, he has become obsessed with the relationship between personal growth, high performance and fulfilment, according to his website. He has deconstructed, fine-tuned, and personalized emotion and resilience techniques to successfully strengthen your mindset and sustain long-term performance. Other speakers include Anton van der Zalm, vice president, Corporate Research & Development, Royal Van Beest; Chase Vencl, manager of

Product Engineering, CMCO; and Mason Chant, director of Special Projects, Chant Engineering Company. The Fall General meeting includes the annual board of directors meeting, general business sessions, the safety and membership awards presentation meeting, scholarship awards presentation and the traditional AWRF golf tournament. Networking events include a First Timer’s reception, daily Networking Breakfasts and the Emerging Leaders reception and brunch. Excursions include two Hike Maui tours. The AWRF 50th anniversary Gala will be held on Tuesday October 20th. n

For more information about registration and the schedule: scan the QR code here.

WHAT AWRF Fall General Meeting WHEN OCTOBER 18-21, 2026 WHERE Wailea Beach Resort, Maui, Hawaii

FULL-SERVICE TURNKEY PROJECTS MADE SIMPLE From engineering to safe execution of professional service — Bay Crane delivers seamless, start-to-finish support for your most demanding projects

CRANES & EQUIPMENT Comprehensive fleet of cranes and auxiliary equipment, tailored to meet the needs of any project or application, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in a wide range of industries.

FULL TURNKEY SOLUTIONS Equipped and Capable to handle any sized project anywhere.

HEAVY TRANSPORT We provide an unlimited range of state-of-the-art trucks & trailers with the latest technology, capable of handling any capacity or type of cargo, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery for both small and large-scale needs.

RIGGING SOLUTIONS Delivering a massive rigging inventory with unlimited range of innovative solutions tailored to meet the unique demands of any work environment, ensuring safety, efficiency, and adaptability across various industries.

12 ACT OCTOBER 2026

www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

DETAILS

he Associated Wire Rope Fabricators Fall General Meeting will be held October 18-21 in Maui, Hawaii. This meeting celebrates the organization’s 50th anniversary, bringing together leading professionals from across the lifting and rigging industry for “an unforgettable experience of connection, learning and celebration,” AWRF said. “Set against the stunning backdrop of Maui, this year’s meeting offers the perfect blend of industry insight and island inspiration,” AWRF said. “Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, gain valuable knowledge from expert-led sessions,

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INTERVIEW

All about the customer Blake Chandler, the new CEO of Arrowhead Winch, on why a customer first approach still drives every decision at the company. Mitchell Keller reports.

alk to Blake Chandler for 30 minutes and one word comes up more than any other: customer. Not efficiency, not technology, or margins, but customer, and it shows up in how he talks about growth, about the three brands he now oversees as CEO of Arrowhead Winch, and where his company should expand next. While it’s not a novel answer for a newly appointed CEO to give, it seems in Chandler’s case a genuinely consistent one; and for a company built on decades of relationships with the crane manufacturers it supplies, that consistency might matter more than anything. Earlier this year, Chandler was named CEO of Arrowhead Winch, the Oklahoma-based manufacturer behind the Braden, Carco and Gearmatic brands. He previously spent 20 years at WireCo, and most recently finished a stint leading the rigging business at Lift Solutions Holdings. Arrowhead Winch was acquired by private-equity firm The Black Phoenix Group in 2024, and Chandler is now tasked with steering the company’s next chapter: three legacy brands, various markets and a growth strategy taking shape. I spoke with Chandler about his new role and his vision for the company: where he sees opportunity,

14 ACT OCTOBER 2026

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of staying close to the customer. BLAKE CHANDLER, CEO, Arrowhead Winch

how he’s thinking about Arrowhead Winch’s brands going forward, and how a private equity-owned manufacturer navigates tariffs, consolidation and international growth in this environment. That consistency showed up even in the shape of the conversation itself. Chandler came prepared, answering carefully and directly rather than reaching for the usual executive talking points about efficiency or scale. It’s an approach that tracks with someone stepping into a company built less on flash than on decades of trust; the kind that doesn’t get rebuilt quickly if it’s lost. That’s arguably the real story of Chandler’s early tenure. He isn’t promising to reinvent Arrowhead Winch. He’s promising to protect what already works, while pushing it into new markets and new product lines: new GM Series hoists and TR Series winches already in the pipeline, international growth in Latin America and Europe under evaluation, and a private equity owner he describes as aligned with that same long-term thinking www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

INTERVIEW

Heritage brands Braden, Carco and Gearmatic each have their own history in their applications and long-standing customer relationships.

see growth there, and that’s where we’re putting a lot of effort into new product development. We expect to see that cycle continue for the next three to five years. We have successfully developed a line extension within our TR Series of recovery winches and have successfully launched our CH240, and we have placement with a key crane OEM starting early 2027.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE THREE BRANDS – BRADEN, CARCO AND GEARMATIC – GOING FORWARD?

rather than pushing for a quick exit. Whether that patience holds is a question only time will answer. But for now, Chandler’s answer to nearly every question comes back to the same place: understand what the customer needs, and the rest tends to follow. Read in his own words how he’s hit the ground running and what his plans are for the future of the industry and Arrowhead Winch.

YOU SPENT 20 YEARS AT WIRECO AND MOST RECENTLY LED LIFT SOLUTIONS’ RIGGING BUSINESS. HOW DO YOU SEE THOSE EXPERIENCES TRANSLATING TO RUNNING ARROWHEAD WINCH?

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of staying close to the customer. In businesses like ours, you have to understand not only what customers are buying, but how they’re using the product, what problems they’re trying to solve, and what they’re going to need from you five years from now. www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

Any growth starts by understanding the customer.

HOW ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT CAPACITY AND OPERATIONAL INVESTMENT ACROSS THE BUSINESS AS YOU LOOK AT GROWTH? WHAT ARE SOME PRIORITY MARKETS? A lot of that investment is going to be driven by understanding where our customers are going, and I think that’s going to dictate the direction we need to go. We’re going to grow where we have a right to win, and where we think we can be successful. One of Arrowhead Winch’s strengths is the diversity of the end markets we serve; construction, utility, energy, forestry, marine and drilling all have different cycles and different requirements. But that diversity lets us use decades, really a century, of success that our brands have brought to those markets. Construction is still in a very positive cycle. As we look at the crane and construction OEM space, we continue to

I see real value in maintaining those identities. Each of these brands has earned its reputation over decades, and that’s something we value tremendously. Braden, Carco and Gearmatic each have their own heritage in their applications and customer relationships, and we’re going to lean into that going forward.

WHERE DO YOU SEE ARROWHEAD WINCH IN THE COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE AS YOU SET STRATEGY?

I respect our competitors, but I spend more time thinking about our customers than I do our competitors, and that’s the focus we’re going to keep. I think Arrowhead Winch has a unique niche in the sense that a lot of our competitors don’t have the legacy and history in the end markets that we do, which is a real strength. The crane OEM market is a great example. Arrowhead Winch has longstanding integrations with many of the leading crane manufacturers, and those relationships have been built over decades. Our products are engineered into critical applications where reliability, performance and durability are essential, so becoming a trusted supplier requires much more than simply offering a competitive product.

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OCTOBER 2026 ACT

INTERVIEW GLOBAL EXPANSION WAS A BIG PART OF YOUR WIRECO STORY. IS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH PART OF THE ARROWHEAD WINCH PLAN?

North America remains extremely important to us, but we’re going to continue evaluating opportunities internationally. Our brands already go global – we’re already out there – so we’re going to double down in areas where we see potential growth, specifically Latin America and Europe. The European construction market has great potential for us. There are always going to be global macroeconomic headwinds, but with the construction crane and OEM market that’s there, we have a real opportunity to carve out our piece of that niche.

THE BLACK PHOENIX GROUP HAS OWNED ARROWHEAD WINCH SINCE 2024. HOW DOES THAT OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE FACTOR INTO THE DECISIONS YOU’LL BE MAKING AS CEO? One of the things I really appreciate about The Black Phoenix Group is their alignment around building a stronger business for the long term.

While North America remains Arrowhead Winch’s most active market, the company is doubling down on international growth, specifically in Latin America and Europe. They recognize the value of the brands, the people and the customer relationships that have been built over decades. From our customers’ and partners’ perspective, I don’t think ownership is going to change those fundamentals. We don’t have an event-horizon timeline laid out the way a lot of private equity does.

manage those pressures in a way that lets us keep delivering the quality, service and reliability our customers expect. Our focus has been on being proactive rather than simply passing cost increases. That means evaluating alternative sources where appropriate, strengthening our supplier base and making sure we have the right level of supply security.

STEEL AND COMPONENT COSTS, TARIFFS, SUPPLY CHAIN: HOW IS ARROWHEAD WINCH MANAGING CURRENT HEADWINDS?

A YEAR FROM NOW, ON YOUR ANNIVERSARY IN THE ROLE, WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO LOOK BACK ON?

Volatility is certainly part of the environment we’re operating in, whether it’s steel, components, freight, tariffs or geopolitical factors. We can’t control those variables, but we can control how prepared we are for them. Ultimately, it’s our responsibility to

Successfully launching the new products we have in our pipeline; that would be something we could all take real pride in. The second thing would be progress on our international expansion and seeing a greater level of geographic diversity in the markets we serve. n

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Supporting the load E

Load geometry, center of gravity and available headroom influence the selection and configuration of spreader beams and other below-the-hook equipment. Dan Mongan reports. between the crane and the load. That separation contributes to the stability of the spreader beam arrangement, while the distance between the crane hook attachment and the load creates a lower center of gravity PHOTO: CERTEX

very lift starts with a question: how are we going to support the load? The crane or hoist provides the power to move it, but the equipment between the hook and the load determines much of what happens once that load leaves the ground. The location of the lifting points, rigging arrangement, load center of gravity and available headroom can all influence how the lift is configured. Once those factors are established, the next consideration is the type of belowthe-hook equipment best suited to the job. In many applications, the choice comes down to a spreader beam or lifting beam. Although the two can look similar, they perform different functions.

for the lifting arrangement. In outdoor construction, where headroom is rarely the primary constraint, a spreader beam can therefore be the more appropriate choice. A spreader beam is rarely used on its

>20

A spreader beam uses top rigging between the crane hook and the beam, creating greater separation between the crane and the load.

Selection considerations

Lifting beams are typically designed to accommodate bending moments, while spreader beams incorporate top rigging and are designed primarily for compressive loads. There are applications in which both bending and compressive forces are considered in the design of a lifting device, but this distinction generally holds when comparing a spreader beam with a lifting beam. Limited headroom is one of the primary reasons for selecting a lifting beam. Because it connects directly to the crane, a lifting beam can be advantageous where space above the load is restricted. A spreader beam, by contrast, uses top rigging between the crane hook and the beam, creating greater separation

THE AUTHOR

Dan Mongan, senior sales engineer at The Caldwell Group, started working for Caldwell in 1990 and has held a variety of roles in engineering, manufacturing and sales. He has led the specification and design for a wide variety of projects, including a transport carrier for Intuitive Machines’ Lunar Lander and a “dino flipper” for a live lab installation at North Carolina’s Museum of Natural History. Mongan trains Caldwell’s internal staff on product function and is an important part of the company’s distributor and end user outreach programs. www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

OCTOBER 2026 ACT

RIGGING MATTERS

own. Shackles, slings and other rigging hardware are typically combined with the beam to create an arrangement suited to the load and its available pick points. For a straightforward two-point lift, a spreader beam can be suspended from the crane hook using two top slings, with one sling connected to each end of the beam. Two additional slings are then connected beneath the beam and run vertically to the load’s pick points. The same principle can be extended to loads requiring more than two connection points. In a one-over-two configuration, one spreader beam is suspended beneath the crane hook, while two additional spreader beams are positioned below it toward either end. Four lower slings can then connect the arrangement to four pick points on the load. A boxed or frame-style system can provide a similar arrangement where reduced headroom is important, while additional configurations can accommodate loads with more connection points. The way a spreader beam is configured makes it well suited to modular construction. A typical modular arrangement uses a pair of upper lifting

points, with lower load connections at either end of the beam. A lifting beam, by comparison, typically relies on a fixed lifting point positioned directly above its center. As the length or configuration changes, maintaining the symmetry required for that central lifting point becomes more difficult. As a modular spreader beam operates primarily in compression, it transfers the load through the beam and its connections. The modular joints can be engineered so that the joining bolts are not required to carry the primary tensile loads associated with a lifting beam configuration.

Modular versatility

For distributors and rigging shops, modularity also changes how equipment can be stocked. Rather than maintaining complete beams for every possible combination of span and capacity, distributors can carry a selection of modular components and configure a system as specific requirements arise. The Dura-Mod is one example of this approach. Each system consists of a pair of end fittings and drop links, together with upper and lower shackles. Top sling assemblies, often using synthetic roundslings, can be incorporated into the lifting arrangement, with shackles and slings typically supplied by rigging

partners. Intermediate spreader sections can then be added to achieve the required span, with the component sizes increasing as the span increases. The result is a system that can be configured by rigging partners for individual end-user requirements. The same components can also be used to create a square or rectangular spreader frame. In this configuration, the end fittings are replaced with corner sections, while the struts remain the same, allowing the system to be adapted to a different load geometry. The range of modular systems is expanding in capacity. Current offerings can extend to around 400 tons, while requirements for significantly larger systems are beginning to emerge. Some of these projects have yet to result in orders, but they demonstrate how the modular concept can be applied to increasingly demanding lifts. One recent proposal involved a 1,000-ton system for an aerospace company developing technologies and infrastructure for spaceflight. For the supply chain, the ability to build a system around a specific requirement can reduce the need to stock large numbers of complete beams. Consider an end user with an 18-ton lift scheduled for the following week who needs 22 feet between the pick points. Rather than stocking multiple fixed beams in anticipation of such requirements, a distributor can supply the components needed to configure the appropriate system. Short lead times make that responsiveness particularly important. A significant proportion of requests for quotation (RFQs) involve relatively A typical modular arrangement uses a pair of upper lifting points, with lower load connections at either end of the beam. A lifting beam, by comparison, typically relies on a fixed lifting point positioned directly above its center. As the length or configuration changes, maintaining the symmetry required for that central lifting point becomes more difficult.

20 ACT OCTOBER 2026

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RIGGING MATTERS

short lead times, creating a premium on component availability. Having the necessary sections and fittings on hand allows a distributor to configure and ship a system without waiting for a complete beam to be sourced.

Simplifying the process

Modularity can also simplify transportation and storage. Components shorter than 14 feet can be palletized with other sections, creating a more compact shipping footprint. Individual components also require less warehouse space than complete beams, and shorter sections can be stored vertically where necessary to make better use of available capacity. Applications reflect that range of possibilities. Modular spreader beams have been supplied for individual lifting projects as well as purchased for inventory, allowing contractors and rigging companies to configure

equipment when a requirement arises. A recent example involved Dura-Mod DM50 and DM110 beams supplied for construction of a data center campus in Indiana, where they were used as belowthe-hook equipment during a long-term, multi-phase build. Data centers are one of several markets where modular spreader beams are finding applications. Shipbuilding, large generator systems, highways and bridge construction also present a range of lifting requirements that can benefit from configurable equipment. The approach is consistent with the broader move toward modular construction, where standardized components are combined

to meet the needs of individual projects. The choice of below-the-hook equipment ultimately comes back to the requirements of the lift. Remember, load geometry, pick points, center of gravity, headroom and capacity all need to be considered before deciding how the load should be supported. Spreader beams provide one common option, with configurations ranging from simple two-point lifts to more complex arrangements and modular systems that can be adapted to changing requirements. The right solution is the one that fits the load, the lifting equipment and the conditions in which n the lift will take place.

Shackles, slings and other rigging hardware are typically combined with a spreader beam to create an arrangement suited to the load and its pick points.

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BOOM TRUCKS PRODUCT FOCUS

‘Booming’ where needed Boom trucks are getting bigger on strength of core markets. Mitchell Keller reports.

f you’ve been a faithful reader of ACT in 2026, by now you’ve probably noted a pattern in our monthly Product Focus. Ask a rough terrain crane manufacturer how business is going this year, and the answer comes back to some version of steady; customers are thinking harder before they buy, and when they do, they’re buying bigger. Ask a telescopic crawler manufacturer the same question, and the answer is nearly identical. Boom trucks, it turns out, are not different from the macro trends across crane and transport OEMs. “The boom truck market remains steady year over year,” said Jacob Dunning, product manager for National Crane at Manitowoc. Over at Tadano Manitex, Ray Ramirez, the company’s product specialist, put it almost the same way. He said, “The boom truck market is fairly steady compared to last year, but customers are being more selective.” Meanwhile, another manufacturer called the current environment a boom (no pun intended). But look closer, and it appears an emphasis on a hyper-productive sector explains the perspective. Ultimately, what the industry is describing is a market where tariffs, financing costs and general economic caution have changed how and when customers buy without changing whether they buy at all. That’s worth sitting with, because it’s the same shape of story this publication has now heard across the last three separate equipment category features. So, despite some headwinds, sales remain strong, and there’s optimism of even better days ahead. And while it’s tempting to say boom trucks are simply following wherever general demand goes, there is a more www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

Tadano Manitex’s TC50155HL has a five-section boom. National Crane’s NTC60XL can also use an optional X-pattern footprint outrigger.

National Crane NTC60XL CAPACITY: 60 tons MAXIMUM BOOM LENGTH: 151 feet JIB LENGTH: 36 feet (fixed) MAXIMUM HOOK HEIGHT: 202 feet OUTRIGGER TYPE: Four-position, out-and-down nuanced read. For a sector that has a broad range of applications from utility to construction to forestry and others, there’s more to be gleaned from this year’s machine updates and case uses. For boom trucks specifically, it appears steady replacement demand and a slow drift toward bigger capacities at the top of every manufacturer’s range will keep things comfortable and lead to very little drama in the short-term.

Tadano Manitex

Ramirez’s read on the market leans on the same selectivity Dunning described, just

Tadano Manitex TC50155HL CAPACITY: 50 tons MAXIMUM BOOM LENGTH: 155 feet JIB LENGTH: 39 feet MAXIMUM TIP HEIGHT: 163 feet OUTRIGGER TYPE: Out-and-down from a different angle. “Higher equipment costs, tariffs and financing uncertainty are making customers look harder at ROI before buying,” he said. “The biggest shift I’m seeing is less about overall demand and more about where the demand is, and what configurations customers actually need.” Transmission and distribution work remain Manitex’s strongest markets, with emerging demand tied specifically to data center and power infrastructure projects, work that Ramirez said is pulling customers toward “higher-capacity, longer-boom machines.” Within the Manitex range, the 40- to 60-ton class is where demand concentrates most, with the 40-ton class standing out as particularly strong; longer boom options are where Ramirez expects future development to focus. “We’re seeing some push toward higher capacities, but demand is still fairly distributed,” Ramirez said. “Longer boom options and more capability in that 40-to-60-ton range are areas I’d look at for future development based on what customers are asking for.” Asked what it would take to move the market toward higher sales, Ramirez pointed to the same pressures already shaping buying behavior. “Lower financing costs, more predictable material and tariff costs and continued

>26

OCTOBER 2026 ACT

PRODUCT FOCUS BOOM TRUCKS

strength in infrastructure and utility spending would help drive a real uptick,” he said. “Once customers have more confidence in the cost of ownership and their ability to keep equipment utilized, I think we’ll see stronger demand.” Tadano Manitex’s boom truck range now runs from under 23 tons up to 50-plus tons, covering everything from light utility and municipal work to heavy construction and industrial lifting.

Manitowoc National

National’s demand, Dunning said, is up even against a market he describes as generally flat. Though he noted that’s as much about the Manitowoc brand’s outsized market share. “Customers turn to National Crane, as it is the premier product in the market,” he said. “There’s a strong demand for boom trucks in the market due to an increase in infrastructure projects and telecommunication upgrades. Utility customers are utilizing boom trucks for maintenance and installation of new power transmission systems and communication towers.” Behind that confidence is a fairly specific read on where the growth actually sits. Standup models in the 30-ton class remain strong, Dunning said, while swing-cab demand skews toward 40 tons and larger and increasingly larger still. That trend is what led National to develop the NTC80, an 80-ton model

Load King’s range of boom trucks runs from 10 to 80 tons capacity.

Load King 40-142RS CAPACITY: 40 tons MAXIMUM BOOM LENGTH: 142 feet JIB LENGTH: 55 feet MAXIMUM HOOK HEIGHT: 207-foot tip height HOOK HEIGHT: 204 feet OUTRIGGER TYPE: Out-and-down

26 ACT OCTOBER 2026

that pushes past the top of the company’s previously stated range. “Customers are increasingly looking for greater reach and capacity as their markets evolve,” Dunning said. Infrastructure spending, telecomms upgrades and a growing forestry and tree-service market are the main drivers Dunning pointed to, alongside a familiar refrain: aging fleets and strong rental utilization are what’s expected to keep sales moving. “Continued investment in the utility, construction and oil and gas markets is an important driver of growth in the boom truck market,” he said. National’s boom truck range now spans 10 to 80 tons, covering residential and commercial construction, utilities, forestry and oil and gas work.

Altec

Not every manufacturer described the same steady, selective market. “I would characterize the boom truck market as extremely positive with lots of growth and demand,” said Ryan McGiboney, Altec’s cranes market manager. “We are in a historic boom in the market.” The difference may come down to where Altec’s business concentrates. The company’s boom trucks serve a wide swath of the electric utility transmission market. McGiboney pointed to a narrower, more acute set of market drivers in that segment: data center development and storm-hardening work. “The concentration of data center development in a few areas – Texas, Virginia and the Southeast – is the largest driver of regional demand,” he said, adding storm work is “exclusively happening in coastal, hurricane-prone areas.” Rising line voltages on existing infrastructure are also pushing structures taller and heavier than traditional digger derricks can service, McGiboney said. It’s work, he added, that increasingly falls to boom trucks. “The current crop of 60-plus ton cranes are being received well by customers that want a long boom for the reach,” McGiboney said, “as well as a useful crane chart for more traditional crane work with the same piece of equipment.” Demand within Altec’s range concentrates in the 45- to 65-ton class, slightly higher than the ranges other manufacturers described. McGiboney said the company’s larger cranes are increasingly bought for a dual purpose:

Altec has boom trucks from 40 to 65 tons.

Altec AC65E-155S CAPACITY: 65 tons MAXIMUM BOOM LENGTH: 155-foot main boom JIB LENGTH: 32 feet (retracted), 50 feet (extended) MAXIMUM HOOK HEIGHT: 215 feet max sheave height (with jib), 211 feet max hook height (with jib) OUTRIGGER TYPE: Swing-out-and-down with four distinct outrigger spans and Smart Zone Rating functionality long reach for transmission work, which is paired with a genuinely useful crane chart for more traditional lifting on the same job. Altec’s boom trucks are dual-rated – ANSI A92.2 compliant as an aerial device, and ASME B30.5 compliant as a crane – and McGiboney pointed to the company’s AC65E as the only boom truck on the market with a hydraulic articulating jib and two boom telescope modes.

Load King

Load King’s most visible product news this year wasn’t a boom truck at all. At The Work Truck Show 2026, the company showcased the Voyager AMX+, a lightweight aluminum service truck built around a 12,000-pound capacity crane with a 30-foot reach, alongside the Outback 28SC-30, a tracked, batteryelectric unit built for utility work in tight or off-road easements. Both are smaller-scale service and utility equipment, not telescopic boom crane trucks, but the timing may say something about where the company’s product development energy is currently concentrated. It’s possible boom trucks are simply due a future cycle of attention. www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

>28

PRODUCT FOCUS BOOM TRUCKS

As recently as the end of last year, A Load King’s representative estimated the entire North American boom truck market at roughly 1,000 units; a ceiling not expected to move much, even while predicting double-digit growth for the company. The spokesperson described a market segmented into three clear tiers: a 10- to 30-ton range built around simplicity and cost-effectiveness, a 30- to 45-ton range where customers step up into their first riding seat, and a 50-ton-and-up “crossover” class described as “a real truck crane on a commercial chassis.” Load King’s range now spans 10 to 80 tons across 14 models, from the 10-ton MU16 up through the 80-ton Stinger 80-160.

Elliott Equipment

In late 2025, Elliott Equipment Company was acquired by Stellar Industries, and the combined companies presented at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 with an Elliott 1881TM boom truck as a featured machine. Prior to the acquisition, Elliott described a steady market overall, with real pockets of strength in utility transmission work,

Elliott’s boom trucks range from 10 to 50-ton capacities.

Elliott 40142 CAPACITY: 40 tons MAXIMUM BOOM LENGTH: 142 feet JIB LENGTH: 57 feet MAXIMUM HOOK HEIGHT: 209 feet OUTRIGGER TYPE: Out-and-down public-sector maintenance and engineered jobs requiring longer booms or specialty tooling. Demand within Elliott’s range generally splits cleanly by application: 40- to 50-ton capacities for transmission work and heavier construction picks, and 18- to 36-ton machines for public works, sign and lighting work, and general construction where a non-CDL rating or a

compact footprint matters. Elliott’s lineup covers that range across three families: 10- to 18-ton models with boom lengths from 39 to 125 feet; 26- to 36-ton models running 51 to 142 feet; and 40- to 50-ton models spanning 95 to 142 feet. Elliott’s newest model, the 40105, launched with a best-in-class 40-ton capacity at 10-foot radius, a 160-foot maximum tip height and features DynaSmooth hydraulics, Bluetooth remote diagnostics and a high-visibility tilting cab. It’s aimed squarely at the same customer priorities we’re seeing across the industry: reach, customization and total cost of ownership over the life of the machine. As for the future, what Stellar’s acquisition means for the longterm of Elliott boom trucks will be worth watching in 2027. n

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SIMULATION TRAINING INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Tailoring training Alan Limoges discusses how simulation and AI technologies are reshaping how crane operators are trained.

ost crane operator training today happens the same way it always has. An instructor leads a classroom of up to a dozen trainees through a few days of lecture and hands-on exercises, including time in the crane itself working the controls. This method has trained generations of skilled operators, and it isn’t going anywhere. But it’s no longer the whole picture. What’s changing is the technology itself. Increasingly realistic, immersive simulation is becoming the foundation of a more complete training system, capturing a level of detail and insight that traditional methods never could. Instructors are getting more visibility into how trainees actually perform once they step into the seat, and new tools, including AI-assisted systems, are helping them put that data to use. The result is training that’s more targeted, measurable and efficient, allowing instructors to focus coaching where it’s needed most.

small margins of error that would matter on a real jobsite. The shift in training is toward a more complete picture of operator performance. Simulation technology can generate objective performance data that gives instructors something to observe alongside their own judgment: a detailed record of how a trainee actually performed, not just whether they finished a task. This matters because instructor time and attention are limited. A trainer watching a lift in real time can catch obvious errors, but subtle behaviors, such as a trainee who swings a load too fast on the return, can be easier to miss in the moment. Data can help flag them for the instructor after the fact.

Performance insights

The types of data available to instructors have expanded well beyond pass or fail. Advanced simulation technology can capture safety, quality and productivity metrics like fuel consumption, idle time and task-specific quality events, painting a fuller picture of how a trainee performs. Any single metric can be misleading on its own. For example, a trainee who completes a cycle quickly might be efficient, or they might be cutting corners. Efficiency itself takes judgment to read: a smooth, controlled swing uses

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Simulators give instructors a closer look at operator performance, paving the way for more engaging, tailored training.

Beyond seat time

That classroom-based training has traditionally been measured by tasks completed and hours logged. These are useful benchmarks, but they’re also blunt instruments. Two trainees can complete the same lift in the same amount of time with very different levels of skill. One might execute the maneuver smoothly, with steady load control and good situational awareness. The other might muscle through it, overcorrecting at every step, creating

THE AUTHOR Alan Limoges is manager of Product Growth at CM Labs Simulations. With an engineering background and over seven years of simulation industry expertise, he leads crossindustry partnerships and new initiatives to accelerate the adoption of simulation technologies. www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT SIMULATION TRAINING

less fuel and puts less stress on the boom than a rough one, but knowing what that looks like comes down to years of experience, and not every instructor develops the same eye for it. Data can flag a pattern, but interpreting why it exists and coaching a trainee through it, still takes an experienced trainer. Simulation data can help standardize that judgment, so trainees learn the same standard of safe, efficient operation no matter which instructor is teaching them. Still, more data isn’t automatically better. The value of these performance metrics is in the questions they help instructors ask. Traditionally, a cohort of trainees works through the same curriculum and tasks regardless of where each individual is strongest or weakest. A room of six trainees might come in with six different knowledge gaps, and an instructor has to catch and address each of those gaps live, on the fly, within a fixed schedule that leaves little room for one-on-one coaching. Truly tailoring instruction to each person would take as many instructors as trainees, a luxury most training programs don’t have. Better performance insight means that instructors can move away from this one-size-fits-all training. With clearer visibility into performance, instructors can identify skill gaps early on. If a

trainee is strong on load control but struggles with efficiency under time pressure, coaching can focus there rather than repeating exercises the trainee has already mastered. If another trainee shows early signs of unsafe habits, such as swinging loads over personnel zones or rushing through pre-operation checks, that behavior can be addressed before it becomes ingrained. Objective data also changes how instructors talk to trainees about their progress. A trainee who hears evidencebased feedback has a concrete starting point, which tends to build confidence rather than undermine it.

The right tools

Delivering that kind of feedback well takes the right tools. Technology like after-the-fact session reviews, training management tools, performance leaderboards and AI assistance give instructors more ways to evaluate progress and enhance training. Without tools like these, coaching typically means filming a trainee on the crane and debriefing from memory and footage after the session. Emerging simulation systems let instructors step back into a completed session and move freely around the 3D environment, viewing a lift from several different angles. Scoring works In-the-craneseat-training has trained generations of skilled operators, and it isn’t going anywhere. But it’s no longer the whole picture. Better performance insight means instructors can move away from a one-sizefits-all training.

32 ACT OCTOBER 2026

the way certification exams do, starting from a perfect score and deducting points as specific events happen. Each session includes timestamps marking exactly where a task was completed or a deduction occurred. Instead of describing a moment from memory, an instructor can pull it up and show a trainee exactly what happened, making coaching more focused. Training management tools give instructors a view beyond any single simulator session, tracking a trainee’s total seat time and score trends. Instructors can generate progress reports and reorder exercises so an experienced trainee doesn’t have to start with the same basics as someone new. Performance leaderboards are another way to keep trainees engaged. Crane crews tend to be competitive by nature. They’re used to being watched and judged on a job site, and that dynamic translates well to a classroom setting. Displaying live performance data to the group makes progress visible and creates a bit of friendly competition.

Processing more information

AI-assisted tools are beginning to play a role here too, mainly by helping instructors process more information than they could manually review. In practice, that might mean asking which exercises suit a group of trainees based on their objectives and skill level, or asking the system to suggest scoring criteria instead of building it from scratch. Either way, the more useful tools ground their recommendations in the simulation system’s own metrics and exercises, rather than offering generic suggestions. This cuts down the time and expertise it takes to build evaluation criteria for a specific scenario. None of that makes the instructor optional though. They’ll still need to judge whether suggested exercises fit their trainees and whether the scoring configurations are actually right for that piece of equipment. The value of deeper metrics and modern tools lies in giving instructors better information to train safer, more capable operators, without adding to their workload. Done well, that lets programs increase training capacity and personalize coaching without increasing instructor headcount. The result is better-informed instruction and operators who build proficiency faster and enter the field with greater confidence and readiness. n www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

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REMOTE CONTROLS INDUSTRY BRIEFING

Reed Miller shares how to choose and use the right radio remote systems on mobile and tower cranes.

Controlled operations S

afety and productivity are top priorities for mobile crane owners, operators and fleet managers. Whether lifting structural steel on a commercial construction site, placing HVAC units on a rooftop, supporting industrial maintenance or completing infrastructure projects, crane operations require precise control and constant awareness of the surrounding environment. Industrial radio remote controls have become an increasingly valuable tool for improving operational efficiency while enhancing jobsite safety.

Better view

By allowing operators to control crane functions from the optimal viewing position, radio remote controls provide significant advantages over traditional fixed or tethered control stations. Combined with advancements in wireless

communication, machine diagnostics, access management and live video technology, radio remote control systems are helping mobile crane operators complete lifts more safely and efficiently than ever before. In this article I will answer five common questions about remote control benefits, including applications, safety, productivity, training and attributes.

HOW ARE RADIO REMOTE CONTROLS INCREASING SAFETY OF MOBILE CRANE OPERATIONS? Mobile crane operators

routinely work in complex and dynamic environments. Congested construction sites, industrial plants, refineries, utility corridors and infrastructure projects all present visibility challenges and potential hazards. Radio remote controls allow operators to position themselves where they have the best view of the load, crane, rigging crew

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Radio remote controls allow operators to position themselves where they have the best view of the load, crane, rigging crew and surrounding work area. Rather than relying solely on mirrors, cameras or hand signals.

THE AUTHOR Reed Miller is regional sales manager for HBC-radiomatic. With nearly 80 years of experience in wireless control technology, HBC-radiomatic supports the evolution of safe and productive crane operations through wireless controls built for safety and efficiency.

www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

INDUSTRY BRIEFING REMOTE CONTROLS

the transmitter display. Cameras can be installed on the crane, boom tip, superstructure, carrier, or surrounding work area, providing visibility into areas that are otherwise difficult to observe during lifting operations. By combining remote operation with real-time video feedback, operators gain enhanced situational awareness, helping make lifting activities safer and more efficient.

WHICH MOBILE CRANE APPLICATIONS BENEFIT FROM RADIO REMOTE CONTROL? When controls are configured to match established control patterns, most operators can adapt quickly through structured training and supervised operation. and surrounding work area. Rather than relying solely on mirrors, cameras, or hand signals while seated in the cab, operators can move to a location that provides a direct line of sight to the lifting operation. This enhanced visibility offers several safety benefits: ■ I mproved awareness of load movement and placement ■ B etter communication with signal personnel and riggers ■ Reduced risk of blind spots during lifting operations ■ G reater ability to identify potential hazards before they become incidents ■ R educed dependence on hand signals and radio miscommunication Remote operation also allows personnel to remain outside hazardous areas while still maintaining full control of crane functions. Modern radio remote control systems can provide extensive machine feedback directly to the operator through highresolution displays, LED indicators, audible alarms and vibration alerts. Operators can monitor machine status, warnings, diagnostics and operational parameters in real time. Advanced technologies such as HBC’s merlin Transmitter User Card (TUC) help manage operator access and support accountability through operator-specific authorization and activity tracking. A proximity detection solution, the HBC radiomatic range control keeps operators in a safe zone, not allowing them to get too close or too far away from the lifting operation before going into a “safe” state. Another significant advancement is live video integration. For example, the HBC radiomatic range control allows operators to view live camera feeds directly on

36 ACT OCTOBER 2026

Radio remote control technology can be applied across a wide range of crane types and lifting applications, including truck cranes, all-terrain cranes, carry deck cranes, pick-and-carry cranes, self-erecting tower cranes, tower cranes, material handling cranes and specialized lifting equipment. Crane manufacturers are integrating radio remote controls for such tasks as crane outrigger deployment, hoist operations, boom extension and retraction, boom angle adjustment, slewing and load positioning, winch operation, auxiliary lifting devices, and load handling attachments. Because today’s radio remote controls can provide functionality comparable to cab-based controls, operators gain flexibility without sacrificing capability. Real-time feedback, customizable control layouts and integrated safety features allow remote systems to support both simple lifts and highly complex lifting operations. In a growing number of instances, OEMs are going as far as eliminating the cab from the crane by expanding the radio control Remote-control systems can support qualification programs through control features that limit functions based on experience or certification requirements.

package. They are trailer/un-trailering, navigating the jobsite, setting up the crane and performing all lifting operations from the remote control.

HOW DO REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEMS IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY ON CRANE JOBSITES? Productivity gains often begin

with improved visibility. When operators can clearly see both the load and work area, lifts can typically be completed more accurately and with fewer corrections. Radio remote controls can also help reduce set up time, improve load placement accuracy, minimize communication delays, eliminate unnecessary operator repositioning, reduce dependence on additional spotters in certain applications and improve efficiency during repetitive lifting operations. For crane rental companies and contractors, these benefits can contribute to faster project completion, increased equipment utilization and reduced operational costs. Remote controls are particularly valuable during crane setup and breakdown, where operators can stand near outriggers, counterweights and support equipment while maintaining control of machine functions. This allows operators to verify clearances and positioning directly rather than relying solely on indirect observation.

WHAT ARE MOBILE CRANE OWNERS LOOKING FOR IN A REMOTE-CONTROL SYSTEM? Safety remains the primary

consideration when evaluating a radio remote control system. However, crane owners and operators also prioritize reliability, ergonomics, customization and serviceability and support. Reliability. Crane operations often occur in harsh environments that include dust, rain, vibration, temperature extremes and electromagnetic interference. Remote control systems must perform consistently under demanding conditions. Ergonomics. Operators need controls that feel intuitive and mirror familiar crane control functions. Proper joystick placement, button layout and display configuration help reduce operator fatigue and improve precision. Customization. No two crane applications are exactly alike. Many owners seek control systems that can be tailored to their specific machine configuration and operational requirements. Serviceability and Support. Minimizing equipment downtime is critical. Users want confidence that replacement parts, technical support and service resources are readily available whenever needed. Modern radio remote control systems www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

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allow crane manufacturers and fleet owners to customize control layouts and functionality while maintaining consistency with existing crane operating practices. Choosing the right remote-control solution requires careful evaluation of both the crane and its operating environment. Important factors include: ■ F requency management capabilities ■ S ignal reliability in congested jobsite environments ■ C ompatibility with existing crane electronics ■ S afety certifications and compliance requirements ser interface design ■ U ■ D isplay and feedback capabilities ■ F uture scalability and integration options Because construction and industrial jobsites often contain multiple wireless devices and sources of interference, robust radio technology is essential for maintaining dependable crane control.

Fortunately, modern crane remotecontrol systems are designed to complement traditional crane operating practices. When controls are configured to match established control patterns, most operators can adapt quickly through structured training and supervised operation. Recommended training programs should include: ■ R emote-control familiarization ■ S afety procedures ■ S ite-specific operating protocols ■ E mergency stop procedures ■ C ommunication practices with riggers and signal personnel ■ P ractical lifting exercises Advanced systems can also support operator qualification programs through access control features that limit functions based on experience level or certification requirements. This allows organizations to create training pathways that promote safe skill development while maintaining operational oversight. WHAT ABOUT TRAINING OPERATORS ON Safety, efficiency and operator awareness REMOTE CONTROL OPERATIONS? As with remain essential priorities. Radio remote any technology, operator training plays a controls are helping crane owners, critical role successful implementation. ACTin AUG 2026 - Tele Radio US - Half page.pdf 7 7/17/2026operators, 2:12:49 PM and contractors meet these

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Choosing the right remote-control solution requires careful evaluation of both the crane and its operating environment. demands by providing greater visibility, improved communication, enhanced machine feedback, and increased flexibility on the jobsite. From crane setup and load handling to complex lifting operations, modern radio remote control systems are becoming an important component of safer and more productive crane operations. As technology continues to advance, these solutions will play an increasingly significant role in helping the mobile crane industry improve both operational performance and jobsite safety. n

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PHOTOS: TRADELOSSA

MEXICO REGIONAL REPORT

Mexico’s heavy haul and rigging sector is evolving into a compliance-driven, technically demanding market.

In Mexico, projects do not materialize quickly or automatically. Activity is present, but it is selective.

‘Cautious optimism’ D Looking up “Many clients are simply waiting before espite ups and downs But things are looking up, according to committing to new equipment, expansions precipitated by governmental Ken Goddard, Vice President, Mexico or long-term contracts.” and geopolitical issues, Operations, International Industrial A new labor reform that will gradually the crane, rigging and specialized Contracting Corporation. cut the workweek from 48 to 40 hours transportation market in Mexico has “Over the past six months, the outlook by 2030 adds another layer of planning, long been a thriving market. To better has changed considerably,” he said. Rodriguez explained. understand economic conditions in “Building construction is moving “And quietly, there is also growing Mexico, ACT reached out to three forward to accommodate new production unease among companies considering distinguished experts in the field to processes, and previously shelved projects investing in Mexico around judicial explain their perspectives on the market. involving assembly, transmission and independence,” he said. “Recent changes After several years of strong engine plants across Mexico are beginning to how judges are selected have left some nearshoring optimism, 2026 has brought to resume. Although it will take time for investors wanting more clarity on legal Mexico’s crane, rigging and specialized activity to return to 2023-2024 levels, the certainty before committing long-term transportation sector back to more progress is increasingly evident.” capital.” cautious ground, according to Alvaro Still, in other sectors, a wait-and-see Rodriguez, President of MPE Group. Showing resilience mentality has taken root, Rodriguez said. “The fundamentals that make Mexico Rodriguez stressed that “none of this “Part of it is a gap between headlines and attractive are still there – proximity to means the door is closed. States like reality,” Rodriguez said. “Foreign direct the U.S., a solid manufacturing base, Nuevo León, Jalisco and Querétaro investment figures keep breaking records, skilled labor – but the pace of new plant continue to show real resilience, and the but most of that growth is reinvested installations, relocations and heavy-lift underlying case for nearshoring hasn’t profit from companies already established projects that drive our business has clearly disappeared – it has simply paused. At here, not new capital, and investment tied slowed,” Rodriguez said. MPE Group, we’ve stayed diversified specifically to manufacturing actually fell Mexico’s geopolitical and economic across equipment brands and services so in 2025.” landscape has shifted decisively from we’re ready to move quickly once clarity Rodriguez pointed to the USMCA globalized flows to regional blocks, returns. My expectation is that resolving review by the United States. according to Tradelossa’s Commercial the open questions around USMCA and “The U.S. chose not to automatically Manager Hugo Castillo. legal certainty will be the biggest catalyst extend the agreement, moving instead to “For Mexico, this has brought both for reactivating investment, and with it, a cycle of annual reviews,” Rodriguez said. opportunity and complexity,” our industry.” Castillo said. “Nearshoring drives Goddard said some projects interest, but a challenging are still on hold. domestic environment, “As U.S. automotive marked by regulatory manufacturers wrestled with uncertainty and slowed decisions about electricpublic investment over vehicle (EV) and internalthe last decade, means combustion-engine (ICE) that projects do not production, many projects materialize automatically. Alvaro Rodriguez, Ken Goddard, International Hugo Castillo, were placed on hold pending Activity is present, but it MPE Group Industrial Contracting Tradelossa further study,” he said. “This is selective.”

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www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

Market signals

Industrial equipment flows remain steady, driven by private sector resilience rather

The fundamentals that make Mexico attractive are proximity to the U.S., a solid manufacturing base and skilled labor.

Although it will take time for activity in Mexico to return to 2023-2024 levels, the progress is increasingly evident. than broad-based growth, Castillo said. “Primary Gulf Coast gateways continue feeding inland assembly hubs, but precision handling requirements are rising as clients seek to mitigate risk in a tighter operational environment.” Transformer logistics follow two distinct, cautious patterns, he said. “Inbound units from Asian manufacturing centers clear through Pacific terminals, while outbound exports from central and northern industrial

Outlook 2027: Conditional growth Next year presents potential, but it is conditional. Realization depends less on market “boom” and more on execution readiness. Transformer exports may expand if cross-border coordination between governments hold. Renewable projects could increase, but only if financing and permitting align—a significant hurdle in the current climate. Rail activity will likely remain niche, supported by specific import needs rather than broad infrastructure expansion. The market will reward providers who maintain specialized capabilities, invest in lift engineering, and demonstrate organizational maturity. Operators relying primarily on asset availability – without integrated engineering support or formalized processes – will likely face rising barriers to entry as clients prioritize reliability over low cost. Mexico’s heavy haul and rigging sector is evolving into a compliance-driven, technically demanding market. Opportunities exist, but they are not automatic. They reward organizations that pair specialized capabilities with verified systems, technical planning and disciplined execution. In an environment shaped by geopolitical shifts and domestic challenges, execution credibility – not promotional optimism – determines competitive positioning.

- Hugo Castillo, Tradelossa

42 ACT OCTOBER 2026

PHOTOS: INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CONTRACTING

uncertainty significantly affected Mexico’s manufacturing facilities, since solutions were generally implemented in the United States first. Tier 1 suppliers – many of which operate in supplier parks near assembly plants – were also affected. The resulting slowdown had a broad impact on construction companies and skilled tradespeople throughout Mexico.” Eventually, manufacturers determined that different vehicle types would be produced regionally, with some facilities focused on EV models and others continuing to produce ICE vehicles Goddard explained. “Hybrid models are also being engineered and are expected to become a reality soon,” Goddard said. “As activity resumed on the U.S. side, work gradually began to restart in Mexico.” Castillo said that as global supply chains regionalize and domestic policies evolve, “Mexico’s specialized transport market is no longer about asset availability – it’s about verified execution. Discipline matters more than ever.” The geopolitical and economic landscape has shifted decisively from globalized flows to regional blocks, Castillo explained. “Success no longer hinges on fleet size,” he said. “It depends on institutional readiness, audited safety frameworks and the ability to navigate a fragmented regulatory landscape in a nation where government and political views have slowed growth.”

PHOTOS: MPE GROUP

REGIONAL REPORT MEXICO

zones move toward key border crossings,” he said. “In these high-density corridors, precision load-transfer methodologies have become standard, not just for efficiency, but for compliance and safety assurance.” As well, renewable energy development is reactivating, but with heavy caution, Castillo explained. “Prospectors are targeting southern coastal zones and northeastern regions, yet project advancement is often contingent on navigating complex permitting and financing hurdles,” he said. “Ultra-heavy component movements require synchronized transport and lift engineering, supported by integrated modular systems. These operations demand rigorous route validation and contingency planning, as margin for error has narrowed significantly.” Various infrastructure projects have created growth in the past. “Rail infrastructure initiatives have sustained some demand since 2024, largely driven by specific import needs for track components,” Castillo said. “However, broader public infrastructure momentum has slowed. Across all sectors, crossborder cargo remains a high-complexity corridor where regulatory alignment and multimodal coordination are nonnegotiable for success.” In this constrained environment, equipment availability is a baseline expectation, Castillo said. The real differentiator is execution discipline and risk mitigation. “Commercial and engineering teams now evaluate partners on their ability to deliver despite external headwinds,” he said. “ISO quality management, CTPAT security compliance, and REPSEvalidated operational practices are no longer optional – they are essential safeguards. Trust is measured through audit-ready procedures, adaptive problemsolving, and the ability to manage site constraints without schedule compromise. Organizations that pair technical planning with transparent communication and formalized risk management are the ones securing bids in a competitive, cost-sensitive market.” n www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

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SITE REPORT

Record field lift T

wo massive reactors, each weighing nearly three million pounds and standing 143 feet 6 inches tall, journeyed from the Port of New Orleans up the Mississippi River to a refinery in the Southeast. From transportation to final placement, the project required customized solutions at every step to address the unique challenges of the route, site and massive loads. Multiple roll-off scenarios were developed to account for the Mississippi River’s ever-changing water levels, with surveying teams conducting precise field measurements to ensure perfect alignment throughout the transport corridor. To ensure the transport could adapt to fluctuating river levels and meet strict Army Corps of Engineers specifications, Deep South engineered and constructed a specialized heavy-haul bridge from scratch to carry the reactors over the Mississippi River levee and its adjacent road.

Riverbank lift

From ship-to-barge transloading at the port to precise roll-off operations and railroad crossings due to stringent railroad requirements, every phase demanded

Rigging two three-million-pound reactors required expert engineering and problem solving by the Deep South team. The operation required Deep South’s 2,500-ton VersaCrane TC-3600.

meticulous planning and real-time problem-solving. Deep South used 28 axle lines of triple-wide Scheuerle SPMTs for roll-off and 28 axle lines of double-wide Scheuerle SPMTs for in-plant transport. But delivering these colossal reactors to the refinery was only the beginning. A second challenging phase lay ahead: lifting each 3-million-pound reactor into its final position. Following the Deep South-facilitated reactor transport, the team was tasked with lifting the two reactors into position, each weighing nearly 3 million pounds and measuring 143 feet 6 inches long by 21 feet 6 inches wide. The operation required Deep South’s 2,500-ton VersaCrane TC-36000. It was rigged in a customized Configuration 6. This was Deep South’s heaviest field lift in company history.

From scratch, the Deep South team constructed a heavy haul bridge to carry the reactors.

44 ACT OCTOBER 2026

www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

SITE REPORT

The lift presented its own set of sitespecific challenges, including a confined space that required a new approach to tailing the reactors. To support the massive lift and eliminate the need for a tail crane, the team used a newly designed and fabricated 1,000-ton tailing frame mounted on a 12-axle-line, quadruplewide Scheuerle SPMT trailer. Deep South’s team also customengineered and fabricated a 2,000-ton hydraulic pin puller for safe, hands-free rigging attachment and detachment, which eliminated the need for an additional assist crane with a man basket. Deep South’s custom steel mats and bridge ramps helped to achieve optimal load distribution for Configuration 6, with 1.2 million pounds of main counterweight and 2.8 million pounds of hinge counterweight.

Master planning

The overall tranport height of each reactor was 23 feet 3 inches.

A custom heavy-haul bridge, a newly engineered tailing system and hands-free pin puller and a customized crane configuration are just some of the solutions developed by the Deep South project team.

www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

After nearly three years of extensive planning and one year of construction and execution, the job was completed safely and on time thanks to strong teamwork and careful coordination with the client, according to Deep South President Jeremy Landry. “From the custom-built heavyhaul bridge to the customized crane configuration, newly engineered tailing system and hands-free pin puller, the project required a tailored solution at every stage,” Landry said. n Deep South used 28 axle lines of triple-wide Scheuerle SPMTs for roll-off and 28 axle lines of double-wide Scheuerle SPMTs for in-plant transport.

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COMMENT

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The environment surrounding data center construction continues to change. Joel Dandrea discusses.

ith the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) standards established on August 18, Pennsylvania recently became the latest state to introduce new requirements governing data center development, adding another example of a broader shift taking place around the country. After years of states competing aggressively to attract these projects, policymakers and communities are increasingly asking different questions – particularly who should pay for the infrastructure necessary to support them.

SC&RA Leadership CHAIRMAN

Jim Sever

PSC Crane & Rigging, Piqua, OH PRESIDENT

Harry Fry

Harry Fry & Associates, West Newbury, MA VICE PRESIDENT

Keith Settle Oxbo, Houston, TX

CRANE & RIGGING GROUP CHAIR

Mike Tomaro Fenton Rigging & Contracting, Cincinnati, OH TRANSPORTATION GROUP CHAIR

Brett Berard

Berard Transportation, New Iberia, LA

TREASURER

SC&R Foundation

Vlaming & Associates, Vallejo, CA

PRESIDENT

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Kate Landry

ASSISTANT TREASURER

Deep South Crane & Rigging, Baton Rouge, LA

Cranes1 Consultants, Stamford, CT

VICE PRESIDENT

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Gallagher, Pittsburgh, PA

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Robert Weiss

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www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

Data centers: What to watch For SC&RA members, this is a trend worth watching. Pennsylvania’s new requirements bring energy affordability, environmental protection, water use, local hiring and community benefits more directly into the development process. Data centers are also being removed from the state’s expedited permitting program, while developers will be expected to cover the cost of new electricity infrastructure needed to serve their facilities rather than passing those costs to other customers. The implications extend beyond Pennsylvania, as well. New York has moved toward restricting data center permitting, while Texas has scrutinized projects awaiting connection to its electrical grid. As of July, lawmakers in 15 states had considered some form of restrictions on data center construction. The conversation now is no longer simply about where data centers can be built. Increasingly, it’s about whether the power, water, transportation and other infrastructure required to support them can keep pace – and how the costs and impacts of that development should be distributed.

Latest example

Pennsylvania offers a useful example. More than 100 data centers were proposed in the state over the previous year, according to state officials. Yet only a fraction had progressed deeply into permitting, and just five had received all permits necessary for their first phase of development. Projects already advanced may absorb additional requirements and moving forward, while earlier-stage or speculative developments have more flexibility. That distinction matters for companies planning equipment, people and resources around anticipated construction activity. Moreover, the data center market has moved so quickly that enormous project pipelines can create an understandable sense of certainty. But a proposed project is not a permitted project, and a permitted project is not necessarily a construction project.

SC&RA members should understand where the projects they’re tracking actually stand. Have major permits been secured? Is sufficient power available? Who is responsible for necessary grid improvements? Are water requirements becoming an issue? Is local opposition growing? Have state or municipal policies changed since the project was announced? These aren’t questions crane and transportation companies are responsible for solving. But their answers can influence when – or whether – equipment ultimately arrives on site. There may also be downstream effects for projects that proceed. Additional environmental requirements, local hiring commitments, community-benefit agreements and infrastructure obligations can increase development costs. More engineering, consulting and regulatory work can add time before construction begins. Changes in project economics can eventually influence schedules, procurement and contracting throughout the supply chain.

Enormous opportunity

None of this diminishes the enormous opportunity data centers continue to represent for our industry. It does, however, reinforce the importance of understanding the market beyond the work immediately in front of us. Successful companies have always watched where future demand is developing. In today’s data center market, they should be watching something else just as closely: the conditions determining whether that demand becomes actual work. Pennsylvania may be the latest example. It likely won’t be the last. n CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Joel Dandrea 5870 Trinity Parkway, Suite 200 Centreville, VA 20120 Phone: 703-698-0291 Fax: 703-698-0297

OCTOBER 2026 ACT

NEWS

www.scranet.org

Forty years forward After four decades of industry investment, SC&RF continues to build new pathways for the generations to come.

ince 1986, the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Foundation (SC&RF) has worked to strengthen the crane, rigging and specialized transportation industry through education, research and workforce development. This year, that mission has taken on added significance as the Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary – marking major milestones in scholarships and industry research while launching its 40 Schools for 40 Years Workforce Challenge. At the same time, SC&RF is expanding its reach through two new Partners in Education organizations – growing the offerings through organizations to more than $300,000 in training. The Endowment fund continues to grow to support the organization’s work well into the future. Together, the initiatives reflect both how far the Foundation has come and where it’s headed – continuing to invest in people, knowledge and resources that strengthen the industry for the next generation. Four decades of work have also produced significant milestones for the Foundation. In 2026, SC&RF surpassed $1 million in scholarships awarded since the program began, with another $40,000 allocated for awards this year. “Surpassing one million dollars in scholarships awarded and preparing to launch our fortieth research project are milestones worth celebrating,” said Kate Landry Varisco, SC&RF President, with Deep South Crane & Rigging. “They highlight what a great place the Foundation is in as we mark this anniversary.” To that end, the Foundation’s 40th research project is expected to begin in late

48 ACT OCTOBER 2026

A Boulter Industrial Contractors employee works with students. Boulter Industrial Contractors gives students a firsthand look at skilled career pathways through the 40 Schools for 40 Years Workforce Challenge.

November with SC&RF’s third “State of the Workforce” report. The study will continue SC&RF’s investment in industryspecific research – more than $620,000 to date – designed to benefit SC&RA members and the broader industry. Over the years, that research has supported SC&RA advocacy on issues such as permitting harmonization and industry education while also producing practical workforce resources, tools and business benchmarks for member companies.

Investing in the future

That investment in the future workforce is also at the heart of the Foundation’s 40 Schools for 40 Years Workforce Challenge – an anniversary initiative designed to connect SC&RA member companies with

students in their own communities. The premise is straightforward: students can’t pursue careers they don’t know exist. Through classroom visits, career fairs and company field trips, participating members can introduce students to opportunities in crane, rigging and specialized transport while strengthening relationships with local schools. The Foundation’s goal is to support member companies in visiting 40 schools, backed by $20,000 in funding – forty $500 mini-grants will be awarded to the schools visited through the program. SC&RA members are encouraged to get involved at scr-foundation.org/40-schools-workforcechallenge. Reaching 27 schools already, eleven member companies have joined the effort: Active Crane Rentals; ASC Industries; Bay Crane; Boulter Industrial Contractors; Bragg Companies; DICA; Link-Belt Cranes; Means & Methods Engineering; Mid-Continent Crane; Padgett; Train for the Crane. “We’ve already seen the impact – one member company matched the Foundation’s award, giving a rural Kentucky school a thousand dollars,”

Kate Landry Varisco, SC&RF President, with Deep South Crane & Rigging. www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

NEWS

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Mid-Continent Crane connects with students through SC&RF’s 40 Schools for 40 Years Workforce Challenge.

Train for the Crane brings hands-on learning to students through SC&RF’s 40 Schools for 40 Years Workforce Challenge. noted Landry Varisco. “The school was thrilled to have the additional funding and plans to purchase more hands-on learning tools. Best of all, the students learned about career opportunities in our industry and in their own community.” Beyond reaching 40 schools, the challenge represents a broader push to put SC&RA members directly in front of the next generation. “Building our industry’s future workforce has to happen at the local level,” she added. “It’s where relationships are built and students and educators can see firsthand the opportunities our industry has to offer.” SC&RF Vice President Cameron Boots, with Gallagher, echoed Landry Varisco. He said, “The milestones we’ve reached this year only add to the momentum. They allow us to keep reaching young people who may not yet know where their careers will take them. “If we can reach them early enough, provide the right resources and show them a path forward, we really have an opportunity to help shape the next generation of industry professionals.”

Leveraging support

With member participation driving initiatives like the 40 Schools challenge, that same spirit of industry involvement is also expanding the Foundation’s educational assistance efforts. This year, two new SC&RA members – Crane Tech www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

and Kito Crosby – have joined SC&RF’s Partners in Education program. Through the program, participating organizations donate seats in training courses, which the Foundation then awards to individuals pursuing careers in crane, rigging and specialized transport. The effort complements SC&RF’s broader educational assistance programs, which include an annual investment of $40,000 for scholarships for individuals entering the industry and grants that help member companies offset the cost of training and upskilling employees. Together, the programs leverage member support to make industry education and training more accessible – from those just beginning their careers to employees building the skills needed to advance them.

Lasting legacy

Building on those educational opportunities, Educators and industry representatives connect during SC&RF’s Educator’s Day roundtable earlier this year in Alabama.

the Foundation also introduced a new avenue for long-term support in 2026 with the establishment of the James Lomma Legacy Endowment Fund. Announced at the SC&RA Annual Conference Closing Night Awards Dinner on April 24, the fund was established by Lomma’s daughter, Jennifer Gabel, with Bay Crane, to honor the memory of an influential industry leader while carrying his values forward to the next generation of leadership. The new endowment adds another dimension to SC&RF’s educational mission – creating a lasting legacy through continued investment in the people who will shape the industry’s future.

Extending outreach

With October representing Careers in Construction Month, SC&RF is encouraging SC&RA members to lean into many of these workforce initiatives – whether through local school outreach, training opportunities or participation in Foundation programs designed to connect the industry with its future workforce. SC&RF has been doing the same throughout 2026. Its Educator’s Day event was held in February at the Specialized Transportation Symposium in Birmingham, Ala., and again last month at the Crane & Rigging Workshop in Omaha, Neb. The program brings local educators together with industry representatives for an overview of crane, rigging and specialized transport careers, including the training and certifications required, what companies look for in new hires and the opportunities available to students. Company panels and roundtable discussions provide opportunities for direct conversation with educators, while SC&RF presents on the industry and supplies career postcards and flyers they can take back to their schools and classrooms. n For more information, visit scr-foundation.org

Join the SC&RF at national events Efforts to raise industry awareness will continue this month at the annual FFA (Future Farmers of America) event, October 20-23, in Indianapolis, Ind., and next year at SkillsUSA, June 21-25, 2027, in Atlanta, Ga. SC&RF encourages member companies to participate alongside the Foundation – extending the industry’s reach and creating more opportunities to connect directly with the next generation of workers. “At 40 years, I feel like the Foundation is in a great spot,” emphasized Landry Varisco. “We have a focused purpose, great people involved and real momentum behind our work. My hope is that more of our Association and industry will get to know what the Foundation is doing, see where they can make an impact and find ways to get involved.” OCTOBER 2026 ACT

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www.nccco.org CCO CERTIFICATION NEWS

aunching January 2027, CCO’s Evaluator of Crane Operator program gives a clear pathway for employers to ensure the evaluation of crane operators is performed by a certified individual. This new program is the first of its kind and brings structure, consistency and third-party rigor to the part of OSHA’s “train-certify-evaluate” framework that has historically varied from site to site.

Why now?

Since OSHA’s Crane & Derricks in Construction rule took effect, operator qualification has been a three-step process: training, certification and evaluation. OSHA requires that a crane operator evaluator is qualified. However, OSHA did not provide any guidance as to how an individual becomes qualified. Therefore, it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure evaluations are performed with the knowledge, training and experience to assess an operator on the actual equipment and task. In practice, that has created ambiguity since it has been up to the employer to determine the parameters of an evaluation and can often create bias. CCO’s new Evaluator of Crane Operator Program provides an industry-backed, structured pathway with clear answers.

The program

The Evaluator of Crane Operator Program provides six keys to help maximize learning. THREE SPECIALIZATION TRACKS: Mobile crane operator evaluator, tower crane operator evaluator and articulating operator evaluator D EFINED COMPETENCIES: Evaluators learn to judge practical skills and risk recognition for the exact crane, configuration and task

STANDARDIZED METHODS AND DOCUMENTATION: Uniform planning,

performance and recordkeeping make outcomes more reliable and defensible ROLE CLARITY: Whether a safety manager, seasoned craft professional or third-party agent, participants learn what “qualified to evaluate” means in practice OSHA ALIGNMENT: Emphasis on task performance and hazard avoidance to understand the key benchmarks of appropriate evaluation CONSISTENT BENCHMARK: A nationally available, third-party accredited certification that is fully transportable and available to any individual interested in gaining the certification. www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

CCO’s new certification As evaluator task force chair John Manes notes, evaluating operators isn’t “just throwing the keys to them.” It requires defined competencies and a deliberate process to ensure the right person is in the seat when work begins. “The certification is going to help other contractors, and other companies with crane operations be more consistent in how they authorize their operators and how evaluators evaluate their capabilities,” said Manes. This certification serves employers and site owners who must formally designate qualified evaluators to meet OSHA obligations. This program is also appropriate for seasoned professionals who regularly assess operator performance, as well as for third-party providers acting as employer agents, since it establishes a recognized benchmark that clarifies scope, expectations and accountability. Evaluators will be examined through rigorous testing that encompasses jobrelevant competencies, including taskfocused planning, structured operator interviews, site and condition verification, live performance observation, risk recognition and stop-work culture, clear documentation, evaluator ethics and impartiality and OSHA rule clarity.

Gold standard

CCO is recognized for being the gold standard of certification in the construction industry. This new program extends that leadership to the critical on-the-job step after certification for evaluating personnel.

This dedication to operational excellence improves safety, documentation and confidence across contractors, owners, insurers and operators. As Manes puts it: “We only get one opportunity to get it right.”

What to expect

The program sets clear criteria for evaluator qualification and the documentation that supports it, provides a repeatable method that scales across projects and crane types and standardizes records so scope, criteria, outcomes and authorization limits are captured consistently. It also improves alignment on what “qualified to operate this crane for this task” means in practice, while supporting each employer’s existing authorization process. From an employer’s perspective, getting started typically begins with selecting prospective evaluators, such as safety managers, lifting and rigging experts, or trusted third parties, and starting the application process through CCO. Organizations then align internal policies and forms to CCO’s standardized approach and communicate expectations for crews and subcontractors. The candidate handbook will be publicly posted in October and covers the core competencies candidates are expected to master for the exams. There is no practical exam required for this certification. Candidates are expected to recertify every five years after passing the necessary written ■ exams. OCTOBER 2026 ACT

RISK MANAGEMENT

Beyond loss runs: What underwriters really look for F or many organizations, loss runs serve as a report card for their safety performance and can feel like the single most important factor in an insurance carrier’s decision-making process. While loss history plays a significant role, it is only one piece of the puzzle. When an underwriter reviews an account, their responsibility extends beyond evaluating what happened in the past. They are also tasked with determining what is likely to happen in the future. A favorable loss history may open the door, but an operation’s complete story often influences the final underwriting decision.

Beyond loss runs

Loss history provides important historical data but rarely provides a comprehensive view of a company. There is a difference between a company that views incidents as unavoidable costs of doing business compared to one that performs rootcause analysis, learns from mistakes and implements meaningful improvements. At first glance, a clean loss history may signal a favorable risk profile, but it can conceal emerging risks. Inconsistent operation practices, near misses or lack of documented procedures may indicate future challenges that have not yet manifested as claims.

THE AUTHOR Mike Gillen is director of specialty transportation for National Interstate Insurance, based in Richfield, OH. National Interstate is rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best.

52 ACT OCTOBER 2026

Conversely, an operation that experiences a difficult claims year may still present a strong risk profile if it can demonstrate a thoughtful response. Corrective actions such as claims investigations, enhanced training and upgraded equipment can indicate a positive trajectory moving forward. While loss history offers valuable insight into past performance, the full underwriting picture comes into focus through understanding operational discipline, a compelling risk narrative and a proven commitment to continuous improvement.

Operational discipline

One factor underwriters evaluate is operational discipline. While loss history measures outcomes, operational processes often provide a better look into future performance. Underwriters look for information that signals consistency, accountability and a commitment to established procedures. Examples of operational controls that underwriters may review include: ■ Driver qualification and onboarding processes ■ Equipment inspection and maintenance procedures ■ C laims reporting practices and timeliness ■ Training and development programs Organizations that have established, documented processes tend to be more predictable and consistent over time. Additionally, during challenging claim years, companies with these processes in place can often demonstrate that they understand the causes of loss and have a clear path toward improvement. These operational indicators can often provide greater insight into future loss potential than historical claims data alone.

www.natl.com

As insurance renewal approaches, the process of gathering information begins, and one item rises to the top of the list: loss runs. Mike Gillen shares how to prepare. Risk narrative

Loss runs provide data; a submission provides context. When speaking about a company, it is not all about profits. Every organization has a story to tell, and that story extends beyond premiums, claims and fleet counts. Equipment investments, technology implementation, management changes, safety initiatives and operational improvements are all factors that may not be immediately visible within the loss runs. An underwriter may review hundreds of submissions throughout the year. The organizations that stand out are often the ones that clearly explain their story. What has changed over the past 12 months? What investments have been made? What challenges have been addressed? A strong narrative helps transform a submission from a collection of data points into a picture of an operation’s future direction. Helping an underwriter understand your future strategy can be just as important as explaining your past performance.

Continuous improvement

In this industry, losses occur. Underwriters understand that even the best operations experience claims from time to time. What often separates strong risks from average risks is how organizations respond when incidents occur. Companies committed to continuous improvement use claims as opportunities to learn, adapt and strengthen their operations. The strongest organizations recognize that safety and risk management are not destinations; they are ongoing processes that require consistent evaluation and refinement. Ultimately, underwriters are seeking insights into questions such as: www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

RISK MANAGEMENT

www.natl.com

employee training, telematics implementation, enhanced monitoring tools or other corrective actions. Organizations that can demonstrate an ongoing commitment to improvement show underwriters that they are actively working to reduce future risk rather than simply reacting to past events.

How to help

IMAGE ADOBE STOCK

■ Does the organization learn from incidents? ■ Are resources being invested in improvement efforts? ■ Does the company understand its exposures? ■ Is there a long-term strategy for managing risk? Following a significant incident, underwriters may look for evidence such as updated procedures, additional

AMERICAN CRANES & TRANSPORT

August 2019 February 2026 Volume 15 n Issue 8

The magazine for the crane, lifting and transport industry www.craneandtransportbriefing.com A KHL Group Publication

WHAT'S NEW PREVIEW

ACTEXCLUSI

Organizations looking to help underwriters see the full picture should consider the following: ADOPT A YEAR-ROUND APPROACH TO 1 RISK MANAGEMENT. The most successful organizations do not focus on risk management only during renewal season. Consistently implementing best practices throughout the policy period helps position an operation more favorably when renewal discussions begin. THE SUBMISSION PROCESS 2 TAKE SERIOUSLY. Applications and supplemental information serve an important purpose. Underwriters appreciate complete, accurate and timely information. Provide detailed responses, include relevant documentation and share supporting policies and procedures

whenever appropriate. Comprehensive submissions allow underwriters to better understand the strengths of your operation. AVAILABLE RESOURCES. 3 LEVERAGE Insurance agents, carriers and loss control professionals all serve as valuable resources. Maintaining strong relationships and engaging these resources throughout the year can help identify opportunities for improvement and strengthen your overall risk profile. By focusing on these areas, organizations can help ensure their submission reflects not just where they have been, but where they are headed. Loss runs will always be an important part of the underwriting process, but they rarely tell the full story. Underwriters are ultimately evaluating future risk, not simply reviewing historical results. Operations that can demonstrate strong discipline, provide meaningful context, and show a commitment to continuous improvement position themselves to stand out from the crowd. The goal is not simply to explain what happened yesterday, but to help underwriters understand why tomorrow may look ■ even better.

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OCTOBER 2026 ACT

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MARKETPLACE

The Marketplace Find the products and/or services to do your job! ACT’s Marketplace is designed to help readers find the products and services they need. It is divided into convenient categories including equipment for sale, crane & lifting services, transport & heavy haul, training and dealers & distributors.

56 Training Directory

68 Equipment for Sale or Rent

Training, inspections and certification

Crane, rigging and lifting equipment for sale or rent, new or used.

57 Slings & Things

72 Safety Products

Useful rigging hardware products.

Training, Fall Protection, Cameras, Safety Apparel, Signs, Lights, Hard hats

58 Dealer Locator

72 Transport & Heavy Haul

Find a Dealer/Distributor by using ACT’s Dealer Locator. Check out the interactive map online. Click to see where the dealers are and contact them from the map. From the printed page, please pick up the phone and call for your crane needs.

Heavy Haul, Trailers, Freight forwarding, Pilot cars, Permitting companies.

63 Products, Parts & Accessories

Career Opportunities Posted Jobs in Your Industry

Operational aids, communication systems, components, controls, software, crane mats and outrigger pads, crane repair, hydraulics, jacks, attachments, personnel baskets, rigging hardware, rollers, slings and chains, tires, winches, wire rope, batteries, braking systems, and new, used and refurbished parts.

To advertise in the ACT Marketplace Contact BEV O’DELL Tel: 816-886-1858 e-mail: bev.odell@khl.com

www.craneandtransportbriefing.com OCTOBER 2026 ACT

raining

TRAINING COMPANY DIRECTORY TRAINING COMPANY DIRECTORY • TRAINING COMPANY DIRECTORY • TRAINING COMPANY

ol, LP nn / PAT)

TRAINING COMPANY DIRECTORY

TRAINING DIRECTORY

A1A Software (3D LiftPlan Training) 904 430-0355 www.a1asoftware.com/training Geoff Weiss

American Crane Training and Consulting 805-314-4121 www.americancranetraining.com Greg Peters greg@americancranetraining.com

CICB, Crane Inspection & Certification Bureau 800-327-1386 www.cicb.com info@cicb.com

Cheqed It Training 712-249-4598 www.cheqedit.com Shawn Sarsfield sugar@cheqedit.com

Crane Institute Certfication 407-878-5590 www.cicert.com help@cicert.com help@cicert.com

Crane Institute of America 800-832-2726 www.craneinstitute.com James Headley info@craneinstitute.com

Crane Tech 1-800-290-0007 www.cranetech.com Sherri McLean smclean@cranetech.com

Crane U Inc 205-478-6331 www.craneu.com Madison Fant Locarno madison@craneu.com

Green Mountain Crane & Training (802)274-1244 www.gmcraneandtraining.com Ben Classen LC.GMCT@gmail.com

NCCER 888-622-3720 Ray Rice rrice@nccer.org www.nccer.to/crane

Morrow Training Center 1-503-585-5721 ext 0118 or 0128 www.morrow.com training@morrow.com training@morrow.com

OVERTON Safety Training, Inc. (866) 531-0403 www.overtonsafety.com Cody Fischer cody@overtonsafety.com

Stephenson Equipement Inc (SEI) 1-800-325-6455- ext 1154 www.stephensonequipment.com Chris Traino - Training Coordinator ctraino@stephensonequipment.com

New State-of-the-Art Training Facility NOW OPEN!

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ACT OCTOBER 2026

PERMIT COMPANIES SLINGS AND DIRECTORY THINGS

ALPS Wire Rope 630-893-3888 www.alpswirerope.com sales@alpswirerope.com

Associated Wire Rope & Rigging 310-448-5444 www.associatedwirerope.com Scott Fishfader sales@awrrinc.com

CCF LEGACY, INC 304-252-1389 www.machineropechain.com rooster@ccflegacy.com

Jergens Inc 1-877-486-1454 www.jergensinc.com info@jergensinc.com

Mazzella Lifting Technologies 800-362-4601 www.mazzellacompanies.com info@mazzellacompanies.com

Kennedy Wire Rope & Sling Co. 800-289-1445 kwrs.com info@kwrs.com

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SLINGS AND THINGS

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DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR

DEALER LOCATOR

Bigge Equipment 10700 Bigge Ave, San Leandro, CA. 94577 Tel: (510) 877-7055 e-mail: cranesales@bigge.com www.bigge.com Branches: Houston, TX Southern CA

Rapicon inc Vars, ON Tel: 613-443-1323 e-mail: redmond@rapicon.ca www.rapicon.ca Tel: (713) 595-4598 Tel: (626) 427-8666

Cleveland Crane & Shovel Sales Inc. 26781 Cannon Road Cleveland, OH 44146 Tel: 440-439-4749 800-362-8494 e-mail: sales@craneandshovel.net www.craneandshovel.net

Shawmut Equipment Co, Inc 20 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester, CT. 06042 Tel: 800-829-4161, 860-643-4161 www.shawmutequipment.com Branches: South Easton, MA. Tel: 877-526-9213 or 508-238-1900 Shawmut Equipment of Canada, Inc Elmsdale, NS Tel: 902-883-7450

Contact your local dealer 58

ACT OCTOBER 2026

Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc 6715 W Reno Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73127 Tel: 1-405-495-7820 e-mail: sales@kirby-smith.com www.kirby-smith.com Manitowoc and Grove Branches: Tulsa, OK McAlester, OK Kansas City, KS St Louis, MO National Crane Branches: Abilene, TX Amarillo, TX Dallas, TX Ft. Worth, TX Kansas City, KS Lubbock, TX McAlester, OK Odessa, TX Oklahoma City, OK St Louis, MO Tulsa, OK Hewitt, TX

www.manitowoc.com Contact your local dealer

www.manitowoc.com

Tel: 918-438-1700 Tel: 918-310-1550 Tel: 913-850-6300 Tel: 314-729-0125 Tel: 325-692-6334 Tel: 806-373-2826 Tel: 214-371-7777 Tel: 817-378-0600 Tel: 913-850-6300 Tel: 806-745-2112 Tel: 918-310-1550 Tel: 432-333-7000 Tel: 405-495-7820 Tel: 314-729-0125 Tel: 918-438-1700 Tel: 254-261-1370

MGX Eq mgxequi 844-DIA Manitow Aiken, S Baton R Billings Winston Manitow Ankeny Baltimo Dallas, T Denver, Houston Nashvil Norfolk Omaha, Phoenix Salt Lak Nationa Bloomin Kansas

Wood’s 795 Mar Willisto www.wo Tel: (508 Email: cr Branche Willisto North O Central Carlisle

92-6334 73-2826 71-7777 78-0600 50-6300 45-2112 10-1550 33-7000 95-7820 29-0125 38-1700 61-1370

MGX Equipment Services, LLC mgxequipment.com 844-DIAL-MGX Manitowoc, Grove, National Crane & Potain Branch: Aiken, SC Tel: 803-864-2840 Baton Rouge, LA Tel: 225-251-7500 Billings, MT Tel: 406-206-2007 Winston-Salem, NC Tel: 336-582-7400 Manitowoc, Grove & National Crane Branches: Ankeny, IA Tel: 515-965-1000 Baltimore, MD Tel: 443-399-7100 Dallas, TX Tel: 972-986-0910 Denver, CO Tel: 720-864-9842 Houston, TX Tel: 713-433-6411 Nashville, TN Tel: 615-562-3979 Norfolk, VA Tel: 757-935-4300 Omaha, NE Tel: 402-894-9300 Phoenix, AZ Tel: 602-232-0660 Salt Lake City, UT Tel: 801-297-8500 National Crane Branch: Bloomington, MN Tel: 952-888-2525 Kansas City, MO Tel: 816-451-1745

Wood’s CRW 795 Marshall Avenue Williston, VT 05495 www.woodscrw.com Tel: (508) 499-1944 Email: cranesales@woodscrw.com Branches: Williston, VT North Oxford, MA Central Square, NY Carlisle, PA

Tel: 802-658-1700 Tel: 508-499-1950 Tel: 315-676-2008 Tel: 717-795-0700

Stephenson Equipment, Inc 7201 Paxton Street Harrisburg, PA. 17111 Tel: 800-325-6455 www.stephensonequipment.com Branches: McDonald, PA Pittston, PA Prospect Park, PA Syracuse, NY Waterford, NY

Tel: 800-692-7600 Tel: 866-667-6756 Tel: 800-220-4033 Tel: 800-368-6455 Tel: 518-357-2200

Western Pacific Crane & Equipment 8600 Calabash Ave, Fontana, CA. 92335 Tel: (866) 480-1203 e-mail: info@wpcrane.com www.wpcrane.com Branches: Arlington, WA Anchorage, AK Bakersfield, CA Fontana, CA Kapolei, HI Lathrop, CA North Plains, OR

Tel: 253-254-7950 Tel: 907-331-4876 Tel: 661-578-5854 Tel: 562-286-6618 Tel: 808-682-7263 Tel: 209-597-3824 Tel: 971-202-4002

OCTOBER 2026 ACT

DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR

38-1700 10-1550 50-6300 29-0125

DEALER LOCATOR

DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR • DEALER LOCATOR

DEALER LOCATOR

Coastline Equipment Crane Division

Empire Crane Co, LLC

Giuffre Bros. Cranes, Inc.

7021 Performance Drive,

6635 S. 13th St, Milwaukee,

325 N. 5th Street, Bldg. A,

Syracuse, NY 13212

Wi 53221

Sacramento, CA. 95811

www.empirecrane.com

Tel: 414-764-9200

Tel: 916-440-8090

E-mail: sales@empirecrane.com

Beau Grassl

www.coastlinecd.com

Sales Manager Branches:

Branches:

e-mail: bgrassl@giuffre.com

Syracuse, NY

Tel: 315-458-4101

Santa Ana, CA.

Tel: 714-265-6550

Hanson, MA

Tel: 508-868-7734

Long Beach, CA.

Tel: 562-273-7013

Bridgewater, NJ

Tel: 908-203-0400

Bakersfield, CA.

Tel: 661-399-3600

Oxnard, CA.

Tel: 805-485-2106

www.giuffre.com

Giuffre Midwest LLC 19252 S 85th Ct Mokena,

Santa Maria, CA. Tel: 805-922-8329

Exact Crane & Equipment Corp

Las Vegas, NV.

Tel: 702-399-2700

www.ExactCrane.com

Tel: 708-656-9200

Elko, NV.

Tel: 775-777-7070

E-mail: Sales@exactcrane.com

Todd Proctor

Meridian, ID.

Tel: 208-888-3337

Parts@exactcrane.com

Jerome, ID.

Tel: 208-324-2900

Tel: 440-349-1999

e-mail: tproctor@giuffre.com

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Authorized dealer in KY, MI, OH and

www.giuffre.com

IL 60448

General Manager

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6635 S. 13th St, Milwaukee, Wi 53221 Tel: 414-764-9200 Beau Grassl Sales Manager e-mail: bgrassl@giuffre.com www.giuffre.com

19252 S 85th Ct Mokena, IL 60448 Tel: 708-656-9200 Todd Proctor General Manager e-mail: tproctor@giuffre.com www.giuffre.com

DEALER LOCATOR

Empire Crane Co, LLC 7021 Performance Drive, Syracuse, NY 13212 www.empirecrane.com e-mail: sales@empirecrane.com Syracuse, NY Tel: 315-458-4101 Hanson, MA Tel: 508-868-7734 Bridgewater, NJ Tel: 908-203-0400

Exact Crane & Equipment Corp www.ExactCrane.com E-mail: Sales@exactcrane.com Parts@exactcrane.com Tel: 440-349-1999 Authorized dealer for KY, MI, OH and Western PA Mountain Crane Service 393 S Monterey St Salt Lake City, UT 84104 www.mountaincrane.com Tel: 206-639-7319 e-mail: Scott@mountaincrane.com Authorized Dealer in WA, OR Branches: Salt Lake City, UT Monroe, WA Phoenix, AZ Rexburg, ID Billings, MT Sinclair, WY Abilene, TX

OCTOBER 2026 ACT

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Coastline Equipment Crane Division 325 N. 5th Street, Bldg. A Sacramento, CA 95811 Tel: 916-440-8090 www.coastlinecd.com Authorized dealer in CA, ID, NV Branches: Santa Ana, CA Tel: 714-265-6550 Long Beach, CA Tel: 562-273-7013 Bakersfield, CA Tel: 661-399-3600 Oxnard, CA Tel: 805-485-2106 Santa Maria, CA Tel: 805-922-8329 Las Vegas, NV Tel: 702-399-2700 Elko, NV Tel: 775-777-7070 Meridian, ID Tel: 208-888-3337 Jerome, ID Tel: 208-324-2900 McCall, ID Tel: 208-634-3903

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Coastline Equipment 3908 N. Graham Street, Charlotte, NC. 28206 Crane Division Tel: 877-649-7739 325 N. 5th Street, Bldg. A www.mlcranes.com Sacramento, CA. 95811 Branches: Tel: 916-440-8090 Baltimore, MD. Bridgeville, DE. www.coastlinecd.com Chesapeake, VA. Manassas, VA. Branches: Richmond, VA. SantaAna, CA. Roanoke, VA. Tel: 714-265-6550 Winchester, VA. Wise, VA. Long Beach, CA. Tel: 562-273-7013 Bakersfield, CA. Tel: 661-399-3600 Oxnard, CA. Tel: 805-485-2106

325 N. 5th Street, Bldg. A Sacramento, CA. 95811 Tel: 916-440-8090 www.coastlinecd.com Branches: Santa Maria, CA. Santa Ana, CA. Tel: 805-922-8329 Tel: 714-265-6550 Las Vegas, Long Beach, CA. NV. Tel: Tel: 562-273-7013 702-399-2700 Bakersfield, CA. Elko, NV. Tel: 661-399-3600 Tel: 775-777-7070 Oxnard, CA. Tel: Meridian, 805-485-2106 ID. Santa CA. Tel:Maria, 208-888-3337 Tel: 805-922-8329 Las Jerome, Vegas, NV.ID. Tel: 208-324-2900 Tel: 702-399-2700 Elko, NV. McCall, ID. Tel: 775-777-7070 Tel: 208-634-3903 Meridian, ID. Tel: 208-888-3337 Jerome, ID. Tel: 208-324-2900 McCall, ID. Tel: 208-634-3903

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Let’sOak Lift Lane, Your Bottom Line! Request Your Quote Today. 109 N. Post Suite 400 Houston, Texas +1 (713) 975-7702 | 77024 www.lsmcrane.com | info@lsmcrane.com Lift Source Machinery, Ltd. sells & rents All-Terrain, Rough Terrain and Crawler Cranes. We bare-rent, offering clients flexible solutions to supplement their owned-fleet by rent, or RPO. We are family-owned and operated,with our 4th generation serving the industry.Our fleet capabilities range from 50 Tons to 1,350 Tons. sales@coastlinecd.com SALES

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W.O. Grubb announces major C-suite leadership changes Duffy Crane & Hauling, Colorado, marked its 140th anniversary in August 2026, making it one of the oldest continuously operating companies in the state and among the rarest in the crane and specialized transport industry. The company traces its roots to 1886 as a horse-and-wagon moving operation and evolved over 14 decades into a crane rental, rigging and heavyhaul provider operating 33 cranes across three Colorado locations. CEO Jeff Cummings acquired the company in 2005 and has since grown the fleet from four cranes. “If it’s really ugly, really big, really heavy, and it’s hard to do, then it’s in our wheelhouse,” Cummings said. “We do the same kinds of things. We just do them very differently. You walk into the Duffy foyer and you see horses and wagons hauling stuff from 1892. There's a little more loyalty, a little more brand pride."

n Mark Evans rejoined tower crane manufacturer Wolffkran as sales director for the United Kingdom and Ireland. Evans brings more than 30 years of crane industry experience, including a previous stint as managing director at Wolffkran Arabia and earlier roles at Terex Cranes, Kobelco and Demag. He most recently served as managing director at Armorum, the Liebherr tower crane dealer in Ireland. Evans will oversee sales growth across the UK market.

74 ACT OCTOBER 2026

he company announced a new CEO and CFO, along with other leadership changes, with crane and rigging experience in mind. W.O. Grubb, a Richmond, Virginia-based provider of specialty equipment, lifting, rigging and heavy haul services, named Ted Redmond as chief executive officer and Dustin Fisher as chief financial officer. The company operates 13 branches across the MidAtlantic and employs around 450 people, backed by private equity firm Halo Partners. Redmond previously served as president and CEO of NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul

Services, more than doubling the company’s revenue ahead of its sale, and as EVP and chief operating officer of Black Diamond Group’s largest operating segment. Fisher joins W.O. Grubb after a more than two-decade career at The Hertz Corporation, most recently as CFO of

global operations. The appointments come as Michael Good, who led Grubb since 2016 following a 30-year career at AmQuip Crane, moves into the role of SVP of operations. Grubb also appointed Albert “Al” Bove and Brad Creswell ■ to its board of directors.

Mazella restructures, adds three EVPs Ohio-based rigging and lifting equipment manufacturer and distributor Mazzella appointed two new executive vice presidents and expanded the role of a third as part of a broader restructuring of its leadership team. Rick Smith joins as Executive Vice President of Service. He will focus on systemizing Mark Erny Mazzella’s service

operation, establishing standard procedures and measurable performance benchmarks. Mark Erny joins Mazzella as Executive Vice President

Dan Carmichael

of Cranes. He will oversee the company’s below-the-hook product line. Dan Carmichael, who joined Mazzella in 2019, has been named Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. He will lead commercial operations with a mandate covering revenue growth, market share expansion and vendor Rick Smith partnerships. ■

Ryan Group joins LGH board LGH, formerly known as Lifting Gear Hire, appointed Ryan Group, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for LGH North America, to its Board of Directors. Founded in Europe, LGH operates as an international lifting equipment rental company with a growing North American footprint,

including a regional base in Illinois. The company simultaneously announced it surpassed $100 million in rental revenue for fiscal year 2026, a first in the company’s history. Group joined LGH in 2023 as Vice President of Sales and has since taken on an expanded ■ marketing mandate.

Tony Fiscelli, left, and Ryan Group. www.craneandtransportbriefing.com

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