Kelvin Kent (left), general manager and sales director for Manitowoc in Australia and New Zealand, celebrates the delivery of a Grove GMK3055 to Metcalf Crane Services, with company owner Tim Metcalf.
Metcalf Crane Services, located in Victoria, Australia and one of the modern success stories of the crane rental industry, recently added a Grove GMK3055 all-terrain crane to its fleet. The crane, along with other, larger Grove cranes, is part of the company’s growing rental fleet.
Tim Metcalf, owner of Metcalf Crane Services, said the GMK3055 offers more options for the company when serving smaller capacity projects.
“We bought this crane at the end of 2011 to help us meet growing demand from customers for cranes around this capacity class,” he said. “We studied the market and compared load charts, pricing and availability. After discussing our needs with Manitowoc, the GMK3055 became an ideal choice.”
The three-axle GMK3055 has a 55 t capacity and an overall vehicle length of just 10.895 m, which makes it perfect for maneuvering on smaller job sites. Other Grove cranes in the Metcalf fleet include the GMK5130-1 and the GMK5130-2, both with a 130 t capacity. The GMK5130-1 was the company’s first purchase from Manitowoc back in 2005, and the crane is still working productively today.
In addition, Metcalf operates a 100 t capacity GMK4100 plus a 220 t capacity GMK5220. Tim Metcalf said the strength of the cranes in the Grove range is a standout feature.
“The Megatrak system gives Grove cranes the strongest suspensions in the industry,” he said. “We like the fact we can carry more counterweight on-site with our Grove cranes than we can with other models."
Projects over the past 12 months for Metcalf have involved roads, bridges, high rises and other general construction work. Its cranes have also been used on a variety of energy, tunneling, building services, steelwork and other projects.
Tim Metcalf said the company is determined to continue its push for growth in the Victorian crane market and capitalize on its success, which is based around their simple yet committed “getting the job done” motto.
“Our early success was all based around just getting the job done for customers,” he said. “And that attitude resulted in more work, allowed us to grow our business, purchase new cranes and add to our workforce. Our experience in general rigging, steel erection and pre-cast concrete placement has helped us develop a reputation for unparalleled service.”
Metcalf Crane Services was founded in 1996 by Tim Metcalf. In addition to crane hire, the company also offers rigging and transport services Australia-wide.