07.02.2025

JJ Curran Crane celebrates 75 years

US crane rental company JJ Curran Crane is celebrating 75 years in business.

The company plans to host a series of events to during the year to mark the fact, while taking a look back at its history and key milestones.

John (JJ) Curran set up in 1950 as Dearborn Excavating with a single backhoe excavator and over the next few years expanded at a steady pace.
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The company started out as Dearborn excavator

Then in 1954, Curran purchased his first crane, a 30 ton Lorain lattice truck crane, which kicked off the transition into a dedicated crane rental company by 1959. In the 1970s the company introduced the first telescopic truck cranes to the Detroit market and began a relationship with Grove Manufacturing as it was then, it remains a solid Grove customer today.
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One of JJ's first cranes

JJ Curran Crane remains a family owned business and is now led by Jeff Curran, the founder’s son, operating a fleet of mobile and All Terrain cranes ranging from eight to 400 tonnes.
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Some of the company's 'milestone' cranes and events

Jeff Curran said: “75 Years of family and community is more than a campaign. It’s a celebration of the values that have shaped our journey. We are grateful to our employees, customers and partners who have supported us along the way. Together, we reflect on our shared accomplishments and look ahead to a future guided by the same principles that built this company.”
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Lifting the WWJ Detroit News sign into place in the 70's

JJ Curran Crane is based in Detroit, Michigan, operating in construction, maintenance, maritime, railway and demolition amongst other things throughout the Midwest.
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The company's current flagship crane, a Grove GMK6400

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