Across two European crane exhibitions, Manitowoc highlighted hybrid lifting technology, long-boom Grove models and an expanding aftermarket support network.
Two September crane shows, two countries, one recurring theme. At both Vertikal Days in the UK and JDL Expo in France, Manitowoc displayed its Grove all-terrain cranes, but placed equal emphasis on what happens after the sale.
UK: the first hybrid Grove for a British owner
At Vertikal Days (Newark Showground, 9–10 September 2026), the Grove GMK5150XLe Plug-in Hybrid appeared in the colours of its first UK customer, Bryn Thomas Cranes.
The 150 t crane features a 68.7 m main boom and a 160 kWh battery that enables lifting operations without local exhaust emissions and with reduced noise. An integrated 170 kW generator and charging while driving provide additional operational flexibility. For crane rental firms working on urban or noise-sensitive sites, the combination offers an alternative to conventional diesel-powered lifting without relying exclusively on battery power.
Also on display was the 90 t Grove GMK4090-1, a compact all-terrain crane designed for confined jobsites and presented ahead of its planned delivery to Leach Structural Steelwork.
Manitowoc shared its booth with MGX Equipment Services, launched in the UK in July 2026 as an aftermarket provider for all crane brands. From locations in Buckingham and Barnsley, MGX offers nationwide parts availability, field service, inspections and technical support.
“Manitowoc is driving change and supporting business as UK construction and infrastructure continue to advance,”
Said Pier Domenico Ravera, general manager for Manitowoc in the UK and VP of mobile crane sales in Europe.
France: three long-boom Groves at JDL Expo
At JDL Expo (Palais des Congrès, Beaune, 16–18 September 2026), Manitowoc displayed three Grove all-terrain cranes, combining long-boom capabilities with configurations designed for a range of lifting applications.
- GMK5150XL, in FOSELEV Group colours, with a 68.7 m main boom, which Manitowoc describes as the longest for a 150 t crane on a five-axle chassis. Many lifts at height can be done without a jib.
- GMK4100L-2, also for FOSELEV, a 100 t four-axle crane just 2.55 m wide, reaching almost 89 m with jib extensions.
- GMK3060L-1, owned by Groupe Cayon, a 60 t three-axle crane with an 8.67 m carrier and a 48 m seven-section MEGAFORM boom, with load charts from a 0° boom angle for indoor work.
The support side includes the BCS camera system, an updated wire rope cleaner, a boom lubrication package and a long-reach spray lance. Potain adds the PP200 external battery, anti-intrusion kits, GRIPPS drop-prevention tools, outrigger pads and an autonomous operator urinal, plus details of its future cranes compliant with EN 14439:2025.
“We have invested substantially in new service locations and personnel in France to help our customers achieve the maximum return from their Manitowoc products,”
Said Olivier Regis, sales director for Grove mobile cranes in France.
Aurélien Raho, customer service director for mobile cranes in France, called it “our strategic evolution from a product-focused business to a customer-centric provider of full-lifecycle lifting solutions”, pointing to new facilities opened last year in Bouaye and Meru.
Why the service push matters
For crane rental companies, profitability depends on more than lifting capacity. Machine availability, maintenance costs and residual values all influence the return on a fleet investment. By expanding its service infrastructure and offering aftermarket support beyond its own brands, Manitowoc is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the crane’s operating lifecycle.
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