Tough and Ready
Rough terrain cranes are poised to support strong opportunities across multiple end-user sectors
BY SETH SKYDEL
The outlook for the rough terrain market remains positive.“ It’ s supported by several key growth drivers expected to shape demand in the coming years,” said Ernst Andreas, president of Raimondi North America.“ Ongoing critical infrastructure investments will continue to play a central role, particularly across bridge and highway developments, as well as other large-scale civil projects.
“ In parallel, reflecting broader industrial and digital transformation trends, increasing investment in data centers and the expansion of local manufacturing capabilities are emerging as important contributors to rough terrain market growth,” Andreas added.“ Additionally, the sustained momentum within the oil and gas sector is expected to further support demand for rough terrain cranes, particularly in regions where energy projects remain a key economic driver.” John Bair, product manager for rough terrain cranes at Manitowoc, noted that fleet utilization of rough terrain cranes remains high, with operators increasingly turning to higher-capacity models to meet evolving jobsite requirements.“ Looking ahead through
One of Manitowoc’ s newest Grove rough terrain cranes is the 80-ton GRT780 with a 155-foot five-section full-power boom. The crane is also equipped with the manufacturer’ s MAXbase variable outrigger positioning system and the Grove CONNECT telematics and fleet management system.
6 October 2, 2026 www. contractorshotline. com