When Guy Caelli purchased the Boom Logistics tower crane division in 2011, it was a modest business with just 20 cranes. Over a little more than a decade, it has grown into one of the country’s leading tower crane providers, now operating a fleet of around 100 units across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
At the helm of this expansion is General Manager George Micevski, who said the company’s growth has been driven by both strategic acquisitions and a willingness to invest in the right equipment for the right markets.
“After the initial purchase of Boom Logistics’ tower crane division, we acquired the LCR tower crane business in 2012, which gave us a footprint in Sydney and Brisbane, followed by the Select Cranes business in Melbourne. Most recent acquisitions have been the Lendlease fleet and the Multiplex fleet in Sydney while also continuing to purchase new models from Favelle Favco to modernise the fleet,” George said.
General Cranes has long been associated with residential and commercial high-rise projects. But in recent years, the business has broadened its focus to infrastructure, and data centres sector. This shift has been enabled by its investment in larger capacity tower cranes, including the Favelle Favco M1280D and M860DX models.
“Four years ago, we just had a single M1280D. Today with the 1280D type we’re in double digits. This specific model has opened different markets, and we’re even getting enquiries from international clients,” George said.
The appeal of these large-capacity cranes extends beyond lifting power. George highlighted their efficiency compared to traditional mobile/crawler crane solutions on civil projects. “A tower crane like the 1280D sits on a three-and-a-half-metre square footprint. It declutters the site, speeds up operations, and makes better use of space. Some clients were hesitant at first, but once they saw the benefits, they quickly understood how effective tower cranes can be on infrastructure projects,” he said.
A fleet built on Favelle Favco
General Cranes operates one of the largest fleets of Favelle Favco tower cranes in Australia from the smallest M50R to the larger M1280D. Known globally for their high lifting capacities and robust design, the Favco brand has become synonymous with reliability on demanding projects worldwide.
Most of our fleet is diesel-powered, with some electric units as well,” George said. “Nearly all our clients still prefer Favelle Favco brand due to its speed and performance on site, but there have been requests for greener alternatives and we’re focusing on renewable fuels like HVO100, which provides a 100 per cent carbon offset. We are also fitting newer, cleaner Euro 5–compliant engines into cranes, bringing them closer to modern standards.”
Commitment to maintenance and safety
Running a fleet of more than 100 cranes demands a disciplined approach to servicing. General Cranes employs around 15 mechanics and fitters in Melbourne and another team in Brisbane to ensure every crane meets Australian safety standards.
“Our crews are highly experienced, most of them have been with us for years, and they’re committed to the industry. You either love working with cranes, or you don’t last long in this job.”
The company’s maintenance schedule includes regular servicing, pre-service inspections, and more extensive 10-year overhauls. All operators hold high-risk work licences, and strict safety procedures are embedded into daily operations.
General Cranes adheres to stringent compliance standards, including the Australian quality management standard (AS/NZS ISO 9001) and the safety management standard (AS/NZS 4801).
It also works closely with its OEM partner, Favelle Favco, to ensure equipment is continually refined to meet project needs. “We provide feedback from the field, and Favelle Favco are quick to respond. If a client requests an improvement to a specific model, they’re open to making those adjustments through an engineered solution. They’re very dynamic and supportive of our customers’ requirements,” George said.
Support fleet and specialist capabilities
Beyond tower cranes, General Cranes maintains a fleet of support equipment including mobile and crawler cranes. These are used primarily for erecting and dismantling tower cranes, though they occasionally carry out general hire.
The support fleet includes Grove models such as the GMK400 and GMK5250, along with Franna pick-and-carry cranes and Sennebogen crawler cranes. Together, they allow the company to operate independently across complex sites and ensure projects run smoothly from start to finish.
Future plans
While infrastructure and data centres are the company’s immediate focus, George sees opportunities to expand. “The larger Favelle Favco M1280D cranes give us options to branch into new sectors, and that’s something we’d like to explore further,” he said.
With its combination of scale, experience, and a trusted fleet, General Cranes has established itself as a leader in Australia’s tower crane market. As the construction sector evolves, the company is well-positioned and willing to adapt – balancing tradition with innovation.