11 August 2023 Ι 3 min read

Fleet adjustments and workforce reductions mark a year of recalibration for North America’s tower crane sector.

After several years of slow expansion and cautious optimism, the U.S. tower crane sector is showing signs of restraint. Analysis of the 2025 ACT Tower Crane 50 reveals a few of North America’s leading companies have pulled back slightly, trimming fleets, downsizing teams and reevaluating depot footprints. The contraction is not seismic, but it is telling.

People power

Compared to last year, the 2025 ACT Tower Crane 50 index shows a slight dip in fleet size and branch locations, but an uptick in workforce. The total number of tower cranes fell from 2,442 to 2,411, while branch locations dropped from 281 to 274. Interestingly, despite this modest contraction, overall employment increased from 9,440 to 9,942 workers. The numbers reflect a sector recalibrating fleet and footprint while continuing to invest in its workforce.

Morrow Equipment maintains its longstanding position at Number 1, backed by a powerful fleet of 572 cranes and a dominating presence. Maxim Crane Works follows at Number 2, leveraging its expansive national footprint and workforce of over 2,400 employees. Uperio North America, ALL Family of Companies and Stafford Tower Crane round out the top five.

A closer look

As the market shifts, this year’s ACT Tower Crane 50 reveals a subtle reshuffling. Canada remains a strong player on the list, with five companies in the top 20 and growing regional representation. Québec-based Guay exited the ranking after selling off its tower crane fleet. Sims Crane and Crane Service Inc. have also left the tower crane sector. Two newcomers, Bay Crane Companies and Torre Crane, made notable debuts in 2025.

Bay Crane ranks in the top half of the list, entering the ACT Tower Crane 50 at Number 15 – a strong start for a newcomer. The company reports a fleet of 45 tower cranes, supported by a substantial employee base of 1,230 and 24 depot locations across the United States. With a largest tower crane model listed as the Terex Peiner SK575 (35 metric ton capacity), Bay Crane’s equipment mix appears geared toward high-capacity, general construction work.

Torre Crane also joins the ACT Tower Crane 50 this year, debuting at Number 18. The company posted a fleet of 35 tower cranes, a notable total for a regional operator. Torre operates from two depots, with a relatively lean team of 30 employees. Despite its compact footprint, Torre’s fleet includes high-capacity models like the Terex Comedil CTT 720B-40 (40 metric tons), suggesting the company focuses on technically demanding jobsites.

The overall picture is one of strategic consolidation. We are seeing crane fleets and depots right-sized, but a larger workforce. In a market that continues to adjust to shifting demand, companies appear focused on sharpening service, regional coverage and personnel depth rather than sheer crane volume.

Methodology

The ACT team gathers data year-round for the ACT Tower Crane 50. Starting in June of each year, we send out survey forms to companies that we know own tower cranes. Our database contains about 250 companies in the realm of tower crane operations, and the team tries to cast a wide net. Some companies choose not to participate in our ACT Tower Crane 50 ranking, and we respect their decision to keep fleet information private.

Liebherr USA, Co. is pleased to announce the $35 million acquisition of multiple tower cranes purchased by Morrow Equipment Company, at our recent Customer Day in May, 2022. Based out of Salem, OR, Morrow’s order is a combination of multiple 340 EC-B flat top, 470 EC-B flat top, 357 Luffing HC-L, and 125K fast erecting cranes. Liebherr USA, Co. looks forward to our continued relationship with Morrow as an exclusive distributor of Liebherr manufactured tower cranes in North America.

“As part of our continued commitment to the best quality equipment available in the North American tower crane market, along with our long-term growth strategy, we are pleased to have worked with Liebherr to put this order together. Morrow and Liebherr have been great partners for over 4 decades and we continue to reinforce that relationship. We share the same passion for the best equipment, backed by Morrow’s local network of service locations, technicians, and over $23 million dollars in locally stocked spare parts. Our customers have to come to expect the same quality and service wherever their project may be.”

Peter Juhren, President and COO, Morrow Equipment

Despite continued challenging market conditions due to COVID-19, we are excited to announce this order from Morrow for construction hoists based on our tried and tested technology to drive sustainability, efficiency and enhance productivity across the construction industry,” says David Batson, Head of Business Area Construction Equipment at Alimak Group.

Morrow Equipment is headquartered in Salem, Oregon and has locations throughout the US and Canada. Morrow has been a long-term fleet owner of Alimak branded equipment and is the largest Tower Crane company in North America, providing for enhanced offerings to their customer base to supply both Tower Cranes and Hoists.

“As part of our continued growth strategy our investment in Alimak products complements our extensive fleet. We know Alimak is the leader in technology and quality, and we are pleased to grow this relationship further. Backed by Morrow’s world class engineering, service, and strategically based parts system, we can continue to offer our customers the best equipment, serviced by the best people in the business as we expand our fleet. Morrow is recognized as the industry leader due to our relationships with only the best manufacturers, like Alimak for our hoist fleet and Liebherr for our tower crane fleet. After more than 50 years in the business, Morrow continues to put safety and quality at the forefront of our mission,” says Peter Juhren, Morrow Equipment President.

For more information, please contact:
Ole Kristian Jødahl, CEO, +46 8 402 14 40
Mathilda Eriksson, Investor Relations and Group Communications Manager, +46 8 402 14 41

About Alimak Group
Alimak Group is a world-leading provider of vertical access solutions for professional use. With a global reach spanning over more than 100 countries, the Group offers vertical access solutions adding customer value through greater safety, productivity and resource efficiency. Alimak Group’s products and service solutions are sold under the brands Alimak, CoxGomyl, Manntech, Avanti and Alimak Service. The Group has an installed base of around 70,000 elevators, hoists, platforms, service lifts and building maintenance units around the world. Founded in Sweden 1948, the Group has its headquarters in Stockholm, 11 production and assembly facilities in 8 countries and 2,300 employees around the world. www.alimakgroup.com