With already some 60 per cent of the total Rough Terrain (RT) crane market in the Gulf (and more than 40 per cent in the Middle East as a whole), Grove has an undeniably strong position and reputation in a market where the benefits of RT cranes have always played an important role in infrastructure and oilfield development.
'Rugged and reliable', for operation in harsh climatic and terrain conditions, where back-up service facilities may be hundreds of miles away, are the essential features.
Further endorsing its leading position in the market, Grove has now successfully introduced the more sophisticated 'All-Terrain' (AT) crane concept to the Gulf, with a number of significant new sales.
The first of the new generation of big-capacity, multi-axle cranes to be delivered was the latest Grove GMK5180 for specialist contractor Bin Quraya Establishment.
This 180 tonne capacity, five-axle mobile crane is based at Abqaiq in Eastern Saudi Arabia, serving Saudi Aramco and other major customers in the area.
It has recently been working on a new 'GOS' plant at Haradh, some 350 km south of Dammam.
''This highlights the importance, and one of the main attractions of the AT crane - its mobility,'' said a spokesman for Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo, the Grove Crane dealer in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
''Now that the infrastructure development is largely complete, with excellent road communications throughout the Kingdom, these cranes can travel long distances economically.
''And when on site, they have the traction and manoeuverability to be able to perform just as well off-road, with long booms and high lift capacities. It adds great flexibility and efficiency to crane operations, and customers who recognise this advance, have the edge in winning new contracts.''
This has been a winning argument for another specialist Saudi contractor, Al Osais Co., which has recently been awarded another major contract with Saudi Aramco.
The company has taken delivery of several new AT cranes to meet the contract requirements - which could not be done with existing lower-capacity truck-mounted cranes.
Dealer Kanoo reports that it has delivered nearly ten new Grove AT cranes in less than a year.
Kanoo has also been closely involved in the formation a new joint-venture company, Johnson Arabia, which will provide a fleet of AT cranes (and some RTs), ranging from 50 to 200 tonnes capacity.
