11 August 202
ACT Tower Crane 50: 2025 data reveals industry’s pivot toward stability
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.