Two Grove cranes power construction of new arena for the Mediterranean Games 2026
- A GMK4100L-2 and GMK3060L-1 deliver precise, coordinated lifting in challenging ground conditions and to a tight schedule in Taranto, Italy.
- Italian crane specialists Servidea Sollevamenti and Gamit are leading construction of the complex steel roof.
- The cranes’ reliable performance and compact designs enable efficient operations on a constrained jobsite.
Construction of PalaRicciardi, a new multi-purpose sports arena in the Salinella district of Taranto, Italy, is progressing at full speed. Supplied by Italian crane service specialists Servidea Sollevamenti and Gamit, two Grove all-terrain cranes — a GMK4100L-2 and a GMK3060L-1 — are working to tight deadlines and on challenging ground conditions to install the arena’s steel roof structure. The new venue will host events for the Mediterranean Games 2026, which will take place from August 21 to September 3.
The project involves assembling and lifting a large steel tensile roof made of prefabricated, galvanized tubular elements. Installation follows a strictly sequenced plan, carried out in continuous coordination with the general contractor, Ferraro, and the steel structure manufacturer, Stoma Engineering.
To meet the demands of the jobsite, the lifting operations rely on a carefully configured combination of both cranes. The 100 t capacity GMK4100L-2 performs the main lifts, delivering the required power and reach, while the compact 60 t capacity GMK3060L-1 supports intermediate stages, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in confined areas.
Challenging ground conditions add further complexity to the project. Because the site is built on a former lagoon with poor load-bearing capacity, the cranes use custom steel load-spreading plates of up to 3 m wide to ensure stability during lifting operations.
“For a project running 24 hours a day, confidence in the cranes and real-time monitoring are essential,” said Ivano Masciantonio, managing director of Servidea Sollevamenti and Gamit. “The reliability of Grove technology and standardized Crane Control System (CCS) across the range are key factors in maintaining productivity on such a demanding, multi-shift site.”
The cranes are supported by Grove’s Italian dealer FIMI and Manitowoc Italy, whose comprehensive aftermarket support and technical expertise help ensure maximum uptime and reliable performance on this high-profile project.
The four-axle Grove GMK4100L-2 features a 60 m main boom, one of the longest in its class, offering impressive reach without needing a jib. With an overall length of just 13.21 m and width of 2.55 m, its compact design delivers excellent maneuverability while also supporting improved fuel efficiency. The GMK3060L-1 is a compact three-axle crane with a 48 m main boom and a width of just 2.55 m. This crane sets the benchmark for compactness and performance in its class. With the boom fully extended, it can lift 6.6 t, while its 8.67 m carrier length makes it almost as compact as a two-axle crane.
CONTACT
Anna Theilen
Marketing Communication Specialist
Manitowoc
T +49 4421 294 4632
anna.theilen@manitowoc.com
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GMK4100L-2
PERFECT ALL-ROUNDER
The Grove GMK4100L-2 combines compact design with superior strength. It offers impressive load charts and compact dimensions with a narrow width of 2.55 m. In the taxi configuration with 6.8 t on board, it offers the best load charts in its class. The remaining counterweight needed to reach full capacity fits on just one standard trailer. The latest EUROMOT 5 engine technology reduces fuel consumption and allows the use of 100% HVO fuel. The new driver's cab scores with the best comfort and ergonomics for the crane driver.
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GMK3060L-1
COMPACTNESS AND REACH AT ITS BEST.
The Grove GMK3060L-1 all-terrain crane combines a powerful seven-section MEGAFORM® boom with a compact three-axle carrier making it ideal for a variety of work in tight locations.
It is the most compact crane in the 60 t class: In addition to the shortest overall length and the lowest height it also scores top marks for the smallest tail swing.
GROVE
Grove is the world leader in mobile cranes. For nearly a century, Grove has delivered best-in-class performance and groundbreaking technology through its range of rough-terrain, all-terrain, truck-mounted, military, industrial and telescoping crawler cranes.
All-Terrain Cranes
Grove all-terrain cranes are manufactured to the highest quality in the Wilhelmshaven factory, Germany. This facility, specializing in lean manufacturing techniques and complying with ISO9001 quality standards, is constantly developing processes to optimize reliability and durability through continuous improvement.
