1962 Grove RT-58 Still Going Strong For Detroit Crane Company

    Posted On: October 12, 2018

    The JJ Curran Crane Company has been using this Grove RT-58 since 1962, and the machine shows no signs of slowing down. (Photo courtesy of Manitowoc.)

    Manitowoc, a global lifting equipment manufacturer that builds cranes under the Grove, Potain, National, and Manitowoc brands, recently published a story about Detroit, Michigan-based JJ Curran Crane Company. The company is still using a Grove RT-58 that it purchased in 1962, and it’s still a staple of the company’s day-to-day operations.

    What Reliability Looks Like

    When John “JJ” Curran started his crane company, the first machine he purchased to launch the enterprise was the Grove RT-58, a mobile hydraulic crane that has proven to be as reliable as it is versatile in the ensuing six decades. Jeff Curran, the company’s current co-owner and CFO, estimates that the Grove RT-58 has lifted its share on more than 300 jobs in the past seven years. According to Curran, “The crane is very mobile and can fit into tight spaces, and it’s great for pick-and-carry operations. It is still generating revenue for us almost 60 years later!”

    The Grove RT-58 may not be able to keep pace with the latest mobile cranes from Grove, but it has not outlived its usefulness. To say that this dynamic little machine has paid for itself several times over would be an understatement. JJ Curran Crane Company still deploys the RT-58 in a variety of space-constrained lifting tasks, such as moving materials around steel mills, refineries, and cement plants. The crane is also adept at hauling boats, toting around jobsite materials, and performing other outdoor lifting operations.

    Grove Loyal

    The aging Grove RT-58 is more than just a plucky piece of equipment, it has also been an enduring reminder of the manufacturer’s commitment to lasting quality. As a result, JJ Curran Crane Company has purchased more than 80 Grove machines since 1962, and the company’s current fleet boasts several modern Grove cranes.

    You’ll find an abundant selection of new and used Grove cranes for sale on CraneTrader.com, including many used Grove RT-58 cranes.

    Source: Manitowoc

    Questions? Comments? Visit our forums to ask questions, get answers, and share your thoughts.

      Blog Archive
    What's New At Sandhills Global
    Posted 6/4/2026
    Find out about the latest Sandhills features and news, including the new Bloomberg/Sandhills dealer survey, the new parts hub, Hot Lists, and more. ...
    Read the full blog post
    Used Construction Equipment Rentals Remain Strong as Sales Cool
    Posted 6/4/2026
    Used construction equipment inventory levels continued to decline in May, led by crawler excavators and wheel loaders, according to the latest Sandhills Global market reports. ...
    Read the full blog post
    Cross-Promote Your Trucks & Trailers With One Listing In Multiple Markets
    Posted 6/2/2026
    One of the greatest advantages of advertising with Sandhills Global is that you only need to enter inventory once to open up cross-marketing possibilities on multiple sales platforms simultaneously. ...
    Read the full blog post
    New Page Streamlines Parts & Components Searches On CraneTrader.com
    Posted 5/18/2026
    CraneTrader.com’s new, dedicated Parts For Sale page makes finding the crane and rigging equipment components and parts you need faster and easier than ever before. ...
    Read the full blog post
    Used Truck Fleets Continue to Age Amidst Ongoing Inventory Decline
    Posted 5/7/2026
    According to the latest Sandhills Global market reports, inventory levels of used trucks on TruckPaper.com and other Sandhills platforms are down over 20% compared to last year and is continuing a downward trend. ...
    Read the full blog post
    What's New At Sandhills Global
    Posted 4/30/2026
    Find out about the latest additions to Sandhills platforms, including TruckPaper.com’s new trailer model names and BoatHarbor.com’s new mobile app. ...
    Read the full blog post
    2026 North American Trade Shows For Crane Operators & Dealers
    Posted 4/15/2026
    To help you find shows of interest, we’ve put together a 2026 schedule of trade shows, conventions, and conferences organized by industry associations. ...
    Read the full blog post
    Used Semi-Trailer Market Improves Despite Downward Truck Market Trends and Rising Fuel Prices
    Posted 4/6/2026
    According to new Sandhills Global market reports, used semi-trailer asking prices and auction values ticked up in March and are trending upward. ...
    Read the full blog post
    AuctionTime Reaches More Heavy Machinery Buyers
    Posted 3/13/2026
    Read our post to learn how AuctionTime brings more bidders to weekly online auctions through unmatched exposure ahead of the sale. ...
    Read the full blog post
    Sandhills’ Flexible Sales Strategies Let You Tune Your Approach For The Best ROI
    Posted 3/12/2026
    Sandhills' flexible sales strategies help you sell the way you need to. ...
    Read the full blog post