[Job Story] Two Grove Cranes Power Construction of Mediterranean Games 2026’s Arena, in Italy

Two Grove all-terrain cranes, a GMK4100L-2 and a GMK3060L-1, are being deployed in the construction of PalaRicciardelli, a new multi-purpose sports arena in the Salinella district of Taranto, Italy.  Supplied by Italian crane service specialists Servidea Sollevamenti and Gamit, the two cranes are working on challenging ground conditions to install the arena’s steel roof structure.

The new venue will host events for the Mediterranean Games 2026, scheduled to take place from August 21 to September 3. As part of the project, crews are assembling and lifting a large steel tensile roof made from prefabricated, galvanised tubular elements.

The installation is following a strictly sequenced plan, with operations coordinated between the general contractor, Ferraro, and the steel structure manufacturer, Stoma Engineering. The precision of the sequence is central to the lifting work, as each stage must be carried out in line with the roof assembly plan.

Ground conditions are adding another layer of complexity. The site is located on a former lagoon, where poor load-bearing capacity requires additional measures to support crane operations. To ensure stability during the lifts, the cranes are working with custom steel load-spreading plates measuring up to 3 m wide.

“For a project running 24 hours a day, confidence in the cranes and real-time monitoring are essential. The reliability of Grove technology and standardized Crane Control System (CCS) across the range are key factors in maintaining productivity on such a demanding, multi-shift site.”

Said Ivano Masciantonio, managing director of Servidea Sollevamenti and Gamit.

The lifting setup combines two all-terrain cranes with different capacities. The 100 t capacity GMK4100L-2 is assigned to the main lifts, providing the power and reach required for the largest operations. The 60 t capacity GMK3060L-1 supports the intermediate stages, offering greater flexibility and efficiency in confined areas of the jobsite.

The four-axle Grove GMK4100L-2 is equipped with a 60 m main boom, allowing the crane to carry out high-reach lifting operations without the immediate need for a jib in many configurations. Despite this reach, the model retains compact transport dimensions, with an overall length of 13.21 m and a width of 2.55 m, supporting maneuverability on constrained jobsites.

The Grove GMK3060L-1 adds a more compact three-axle option to the lifting setup. It features a 48 m main boom and the same 2.55 m width, while its 8.67 m carrier length gives it a footprint close to that of smaller two-axle cranes. With the boom fully extended, the crane can lift up to 6.6 t, making it suited to intermediate lifting stages where space and positioning flexibility are key factors.

On site, the cranes are supported by Grove’s Italian dealer FIMI and Manitowoc Italy. Their role covers aftermarket support and technical assistance, helping maintain crane availability and operational continuity during the project.

[Job Story] Two Grove Cranes Power Construction of Mediterranean Games 2026’s Arena, in Italy published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.