A crane business built on family legacy, driven by growth, and strengthened by trusted partnerships.
Fifteen years ago, General Crane Services WA began with a single crane, a strong work ethic, and a clear objective: to deliver safe, efficient, and precise lifting solutions across Western Australia. Today, the business stands as a major force in the state’s crane hire industry, operating the largest fleet and workforce in Western Australia, supporting projects that range from residential installations to complex mining shutdowns.
At the heart of this growth story is a company shaped by family values, operational discipline, and long‑term partnerships that have endured through changing market conditions and increasing project complexity.
A family legacy in lifting
General Crane Services WA is firmly rooted in the crane industry. Founders Eric and Nick Bucciarelli represent the third generation of a family with deep ties to lifting, following in the footsteps of both their father and grandfather. From an early age, cranes were part of everyday life, not simply a career path, but a heritage.
That foundation shaped the company’s early philosophy: focus on general lift works, maintain an uncompromising approach to safety, and build trust by consistently delivering on site.
In 2011, the business made its first significant fleet investment with the purchase of an 80 tonne all terrain crane, followed later that year by a Franna. These early decisions reflected a practical, long-term approach to fleet development, with priority given to reliability, versatility, and strong after sales support.
Our people at the heart of our growth
From modest beginnings, General Crane Services WA has experienced steady and sustained growth, a journey defined and made possible by the people who have been part of it. From those who laid the foundations in the early days, to the team driving the business forward today, it is their dedication, commitment, and expertise that have shaped every stage of progress. What began with a single crane has expanded into a diversified fleet, supported by transport vehicles and specialised lifting equipment.
In recent years, particularly from 2024 onwards, the business has deliberately evolved its operating model. Moving beyond traditional general lift work, the company has increased its involvement in major tenders and large-scale project delivery. This includes complex heavy lifts, mining infrastructure projects, and high risk shutdown environments where planning and execution are critical.
This growth has been supported by continued investment in skilled personnel, modern equipment, and systems capable of managing increasingly complex projects safely and efficiently.
Supporting a broad client base cross Western Australia
Versatility remains one of General Crane Services WA’s key strengths. The company services a wide range of clients, with no single sector defining its workload.
Projects span from residential pool installations, commercial construction, critical infrastructure lifts, and large-scale mining shutdowns. This breadth of work requires a fleet and workforce capable of adapting quickly to vastly different operational and safety demands – something the business has built its reputation on over time.
A fleet strategy backed by trusted support
General Crane Services WA has taken a measured approach to fleet standardisation, recognising the operational efficiencies that come from consistency across equipment. A predominantly unified fleet allows operators to move confidently between machines, supported by familiar control systems and layouts. This consistency reduces training requirements, improves on site productivity, and supports safer outcomes across a broad range of projects.
The value of long-standing relationships
Alongside internal capability, long-term external relationships have played an important role in the company’s development. General Crane Services WA’s partnership with Tadano has been built on continuity and trust, most notably through its long-standing relationship with James Greenwood, who sold the business its very first crane and remains closely involved today.
“From the beginning, it was clear this was a business built on strong values and a long-term mindset,” said James. “Eric and Nick were always focused on doing things properly, investing in their people, their equipment, and their reputation. Watching the business grow over the past 15 years has been a testament to that approach.”
The relationship has always extended beyond equipment supply. Access to knowledgeable support and a genuine understanding of the business has been a key part of the partnership.
This same sentiment extends to the broader support network, with David Lillistone, Mauro Ranieri, and the wider Tadano team recognised for their technical expertise and practical, solutions-focused approach.
Service, support, and maximising uptime
In an industry where downtime can significantly affect project schedules and costs, responsive service and technical support are essential.
General Crane Services WA places strong value on accessibility and responsiveness. Direct access to experienced service technicians and decision makers ensures issues are addressed efficiently, particularly during shutdowns and time critical operations.
That level of support plays an important role in maintaining fleet availability and minimising disruption for clients.
Engineering confidence for complex lifts
As the business has expanded into more complex and higher risk projects, engineering capability has become increasingly important.
General Crane Services WA employs experienced engineers and lift planners who take a disciplined, methodical approach to every lift. Each project undergoes detailed lift studies, planning reviews, and multiple safety checkpoints before execution.
While thorough preparation is central to success, the team recognises that site conditions can change quickly. In those moments, experience, sound judgement, and adaptability are critical to maintaining safe operations and delivering successful outcomes.
What’s driven 15 Years of growth?
Reflecting on the company’s journey, the Bucciarelli family attributes its success to three core pillars:
• A strong “can do” attitude across the business
• Long-standing, reliable industry partnerships
• A loyal and committed workforce
Many team members have been part of the business since its early years, playing a hands-on role in building its capability and reputation. The company actively encourages career growth and ongoing upskilling not only to reward its people, but to demonstrate genuine appreciation for the contribution they continue to make.
“It’s the people; their dedication, commitment, and belief in what we’re building that has made the biggest difference.” said Nick and Eric Bucciarelli.
Looking ahead: The next 15 years
As General Crane Services WA looks to the future, the focus remains clear and grounded.
The priority is to continue delivering high quality lifting solutions, maintain a reputation built on professionalism and integrity, and sustain the capability to support increasingly complex projects across Western Australia.
“We’ll keep climbing and keep delivering. That’s the goal – nothing more complicated than that,” said Nick Bucciarelli.
“Congratulations General Cranes Services WA on your 15 year company anniversary, your continued partnership is deeply valued by the Tadano Group, we look forward to supporting you through many more years of success.” – Toshiaki Ujiie (Tadano Group President / Chief Executive Officer).
