For crane owners, the main challenges are largely the same: keeping machines efficient and operational as fleets age and capital costs rise. In particular, rental companies and contractors must maintain high productivity and keep profitability under control.
In this context, refurbishment can be beneficial. At Manitowoc, this service is offered under the EnCORE™ brand and is designed to extend crane service life, restore performance, and protect long-term asset value, helping owners recover value from equipment already in the fleet. Refurbishment is performed directly by Manitowoc or at EnCORE™-certified dealer locations.
Cranes are built to last, and many Grove, Potain, and Manitowoc cranes, after decades of operation, wear and tear begin to show, technology changes, and safety requirements evolve. Refurbishment offers a way to keep an older crane in service without having to immediately purchase a new machine.
A thorough overhaul can extend the life of a crane by 10 to 15 years, restoring lifting performance to its original specifications, and may also result in improvements in safety and regulatory compliance. From an economic standpoint, the overhaul aims to reduce unplanned downtime, broaden rental eligibility, and maximise resale value.
Why OEM remanufacturing makes a difference
The market is full of independent companies offering refurbishment services, but according to Manitowoc, a crane is not a simple machine because it features a system in which structural integrity, hydraulics, electronics, and safety controls all work together, which is why choosing the OEM makes all the difference.
The EnCORE™ program is based on original design information and technical data, such as load charts and factory tolerances, which guide the refurbishment process. The work is also carried out in accordance with current engineering standards and internal testing procedures, with the aim of ensuring that the refurbished crane or component meets the same performance standards as the original product.
Every EnCORE™ uses genuine Manitowoc, Grove, or Potain parts, and technicians follow procedures aligned with those used in the manufacturing plants, to reduce the risk of incompatibility, avoiding uncertified structural modifications, and minimising uncertainties during calibration and testing.
The brand’s refurbishment is documented in the machine’s official records, thereby providing a guarantee, a level of documentation, and accountability that, according to the company, third-party repair shops cannot ensure.
The economic value: higher yield, fewer uncertainties
The decision to refurbish rests with crane owners focused on return on investment. Manitowoc’s message is that refurbishment can be cost-effective. Following the work, the crane can operate more reliably, supporting uptime and operational continuity thanks to replaced components and restored systems. The expectation is also that maintenance costs will be reduced over time.
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