Saudi Crane Services Extends Crane Service Life

Supported by Manitowoc, a full OEM parts refresh restores long-term reliability across a Grove crane fleet operating in construction and industrial environments.  www.manitowoc.com Saudi Crane Services (SCS) has completed a comprehensive refurbishment program covering its entire fleet of Grove cranes, targeting extended service life and sustained operational reliability in heavy-duty lifting environments. The program concluded with the delivery of OEM replacement components supplied through Manitowoc’s aftersales support organization, marking the introduction of a fully refreshed fleet into active service. Refreshing long-serving cranes for continued operation The initiative covered 28 cranes operating across Saudi Arabia, including a predominantly rough-terrain lineup and one all-terrain unit. Fleet composition ranged from newer RT765E-2 cranes manufactured in 2011–2012 to an RT522 unit dating back to 1990, alongside RT760E, RT880E, RT890E, RT9130E, and a GMK4080 crane. All machines received 100% OEM replacement parts, ensuring compatibility with original specifications and established maintenance standards. SCS, headquartered in Jeddah, structured the program to align with long-term asset utilization targets. The company typically retains cranes for 15–20 years before resale or replacement, making component availability and lifecycle support a determining factor in refurbishment decisions. Scope of component replacement and refurbishment timelines Each crane underwent a targeted parts refresh based on age and duty cycle, with work packages spanning hydraulic systems, control systems, structural elements, booms, cab assemblies, and air-conditioning units. Depending on the extent of refurbishment required, individual cranes spent approximately five to ten weeks in overhaul. Using OEM components allowed the refurbishment to restore factory-defined tolerances and system integration, supporting consistent lifting performance while minimizing the risk of premature component wear. Operational impact on precision, downtime, and efficiency Following refurbishment, SCS reported measurable improvements in lifting precision and equipment availability, alongside reduced unplanned downtime. Reconditioned hydraulic and control systems contributed to more predictable load handling, while updated powertrain-related components supported improved fuel efficiency under comparable operating conditions. Operator interfaces were also updated as part of the cab and control upgrades, maintaining established ergonomics while improving system responsiveness in daily operations. Extending asset life through planned maintenance The completed program illustrates how structured refurbishment, supported by OEM parts availability, can extend the functional life of heavy lifting equipment well beyond initial deployment cycles. With the refreshed fleet now fully operational, SCS has positioned its cranes for continued service across high-load, high-uptime applications while maintaining predictable maintenance and performance characteristics. www.manitowoc.com Powered by Induportals Media Publishing