News

Syracuse, NY – [March 6, 2025] – Associated Industrial Riggers Inc. has made a significant investment in its fleet with the purchase of a brand new 2024 Tadano AC 6.300-1 from Empire Crane Company. This acquisition reinforces Associated’s commitment to providing top-tier lifting solutions for the most demanding job sites across the Southeast U.S.

Associated specializes in a variety of services including rigging and machinery moving, crane rental, structural and custom fabrication, plant maintenance, turnkey plant relocation, civil and site work, and more.

"Tadano has owned the R/T market for the past 20-plus years, with units that are bulletproof in design and dependability," said Jim Burke, President of Associated Industrial Riggers. "This made it an easier decision to stay in the Tadano family line."

The AC 6.300-1 boasts a main boom length of 262 feet with a compact undercarriage design that enhances maneuverability in tight job sites, along with quick setup and teardown capabilities for increased efficiency. Associated elected for a model equipped with a luffing jib, which allows for an unparalleled strong chart and reach, making it an optimal choice for the evolving demands of modern construction.

"Versatility is enormous with this unit," Burke added. "This six-axle crane can go out as a fully dressed 350-ton crane with a luffer, or we can remove counterweights and quickly turn it into a 200-ton as needed. This allows us greater flexibility, reach, and range for the marketplace."

The decision to invest in this crane was also driven by growing customer demand. "We’ve had a lot of customers asking us to help with bigger and bigger projects," Burke explained. "The 300-350-ton market seemed to have the greatest number of requests, which also helped us in the decision for this unit. When we looked to purchase it, it really boiled down to one word: Value."

The crane is already proving its worth, working on major projects at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

By virtue of a long working relationship locally in New York State, the two companies were able to strike a deal on the AC 6.300-1 for Associated’s Orlando, FL, branch. "Empire Crane Company has always helped us in the past and served us well,” Burke said. We all know that buying specialized equipment is only as good as the support you receive and the dealership that sold it to you."

Burke noted Empire’s service and dedication as a catalyst for their ongoing partnership. “[Empire Crane is] a family-owned business, and the owners treated us just like we were part of the family. Luke and Paul [Lonergan] are involved and available throughout all aspects of the deal—financing, licensing, service, and product support. Josh Prentice in the service department made us a priority in shipping, setting up, and commissioning this unit with ease. We thank you, Empire Crane Company."

“We’re thrilled to make another deal happen with Jim Burke, Jerry Sanders, and their crew at Associated Riggers,” said Paul Lonergan, owner of Empire Crane Company. “We’ve been lucky enough to do business with them for a number of years now and it’s always a pleasure. Thank you to Associated for not only trusting in the Tadano product, but Empire Crane.”

With the addition of the Tadano AC 6.300-1, Associated Industrial Riggers continues to enhance its capabilities, ensuring that it remains a trusted partner for complex lifting projects across the region.

South State Inc., a full-service heavy highway, paving, and utility contractor based out of Bridgeton, NJ, recently completed the purchase of a 2024 Kobelco CK2000G-3 crawler crane through Empire Crane Company. Capacity and price point coupled with Kobelco’s backing and warranty were the leading factors for South State choosing the CK2000G-3, said Carlos Cajeira, Crane and Marine Equipment Superintendent for South State.

The CK2000G-3 is a versatile and highly efficient 200-ton crane with 200 feet of boom that is the second largest in Kobelco’s G-3 crawler crane lineup. The “G-3” in the CK2000’s name references its state-of-the-art G-modes, which include the auto idle stop system, energy saving winch control system, and the engine RPM limitation system. Each of these align perfectly with South State Inc.’s commitment to safety and environmental sustainability.

Cajeira explained that the unit will primarily be utilized around the water for the time being.

“The CK2000G-3, at least for the moment, will be playing a big role in our expansion of marine work and is currently being used as a barge crane,” he said. Empire Crane Company, an authorized dealer for Kobelco Cranes, facilitated the sale and is known in the northeast for its wide range of lifting solutions and excellent customer service. Their extensive support and expertise have helped South State Inc. find the perfect crane to meet the increasing demands of its growing project portfolio.

“Empire was awesome to work with,” Cajeira said. “They kept in constant communication and updated us as things progressed throughout the process, all the way through the delivery and assembly. Awesome job.”

“We are proud to work with South State Inc. in providing them with one of the most advanced cranes available on the market today,” said Paul Lonergan, President of Empire Crane Company. “The CK2000G-3 will give them the edge they need to tackle their most ambitious projects while maintaining a focus on efficiency and sustainability.”

South State Inc. has a long history of delivering excellence in the construction sector. For more than 40 years, they have successfully completed numerous complex construction projects for both private and public clients throughout New Jersey. The addition of the CK2000G-3 promises to keep that tradition alive and well.

(North Syracuse, NY) – Jekko USA has named Empire Crane Company its dealer of the year in the U.S. after a prosperous 2023 of selling the company’s mini crane and minipicker lines. Empire Crane part owner Luke Lonergan was informed of this merit by Jekko USA personnel during January’s World of Concrete trade show in Las Vegas.

A partnership that began just two years ago in 2022 has blossomed into a beneficial situation for both companies. Since Empire became an authorized dealer of Jekko products, the company has ordered more than 30 units and sold many around the country to companies such as Massey Glass in Connecticut, Associated Industrial Riggers in New York, and Raining Wood Inc. in Georgia. In addition to units sold, Empire has facilitated numerous rentals to high satisfaction from customers.

“Our relationship with Jekko has been great,” Lonergan said. “We’re very pleased with the product we’re selling and so are our customers. We’re looking forward to what the future holds in terms of sales and new products.” The Jekko brand features three lines of mini cranes and minipickers suited for specific needs and demographics. The machines have been praised for their versatility in small spaces while maintaining high load capacities, as well as their superior build quality. Currently, Empire Crane has a variety of Jekko units from all three lines available for purchase or rent, including the MPK20 and MPK50, the SPX328 and SPX532, and the JF990 (one of the first in the U.S.).

Those interested can call Empire Crane today at 1-800-342-7575 for more information.