Grove, one of the most recognised names in the crane industry today, was founded in 1947 in Shady Grove, Pennsylvania, USA. What began in a modest garage by brothers John L. Grove and Dwight L. Grove, along with friend Wayne A. Nicarry, has grown into a legacy of innovation that spans more than seven decades.
Initially, Grove Manufacturing focused on producing rubber-tired farm wagons. But by the 1950s, the company began pioneering hydraulic cranes mounted on truck chassis—ushering in a new era of mobile lifting technology. Their early cranes were notable for being more versatile and efficient than many of the alternatives available at the time.
Over the years, Grove introduced numerous innovations, including the world’s first slewing rough-terrain crane in 1968 and, in 1970, the introduction of the trapezoidal boom. This boom design gave Grove cranes an optimal strength-to-weight ratio, improving performance without compromising on lifting capacity.
By the 1980s, Grove had cemented its position as a major player in the crane manufacturing world. In 1985, Grove expanded its reach across the Atlantic by acquiring UK-based Coles Cranes, a well-known British manufacturer and whom Paterson Simons represented from 1977. This strategic move allowed Grove to gain access to new markets and integrate Coles’ strong engineering heritage into its offerings. For several years, the company operated as Grove Coles before eventually consolidating under the Grove brand.
In 2002, Grove was acquired by Manitowoc Cranes, further strengthening its global capabilities and advancing technologies like the Crane Control System (CCS) and MAXbase variable outrigger positioning.
Paterson Simons have been proudly associated with Grove as a dealer since our initial partnership with Coles Cranes back in 1977!
Our Grove factory-trained engineers are based throughout Ghana, from where our service teams can be deployed across West and Central Africa. No matter where your Grove is located, we can maintain a thorough schedule of service and maintenance via our team of factory-trained mobile crane engineers. Our parts and spares logistical departments efficiently deliver spares to your site, no matter where in West and Central Africa you are.
Today, Grove cranes are used on job sites all over the world and continue to lead the way in mobile crane innovation.
From humble beginnings to global recognition, Grove’s journey is a testament to American ingenuity and engineering excellence!
Top image: An early model Grove crane, showcasing the robust design that would shape the future of mobile lifting – https://www.manitowoc.com/company/news/historic-milestone-grove-celebrates-its-75th-anniversary