Crane Hot Line July 2026 | Page 8

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn Equipment Finance Confidence Rises in May, ELFA Reports

Confidence in the equipment finance market increased in May, according to the latest Monthly Confidence Index( MCI) released by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association( ELFA).

The May 2026 index rose to 59.9, up from 54.6 in April, reflecting stronger sentiment among executives in the $ 1.3 trillion equipment finance industry. The report provides a qualitative assessment based on responses from key industry leaders regarding business conditions, capital spending, employment and economic outlook.

According to the survey, 27.3 % of executives expect business conditions to improve in the next four months, up from 11.8 % in April. Meanwhile, 63.6 % expect conditions to remain the same, while the percentage anticipating worsening conditions declined to 9.1 % from 29.4 % the previous month.

Expectations for capital expenditure financing also improved. ELFA reported that 26.1 % of respondents believe demand for leases and loans to fund capital expenditures will increase in the next four months, compared to 10.5 % in April. Additionally, 73.9 % expect demand to remain stable, while no respondents forecast a decline.

Executives also reported a more positive economic outlook. About 30.4 % of respondents said U. S. economic conditions are expected to improve for the next six months, nearly doubling from 15.8 % in April. Another 47.8 % believe conditions will remain unchanged, while 21.7 % anticipate worsening conditions, down from 36.8 % the prior month.

Employment expectations remained relatively steady, with 40.9 % of executives planning to hire more employees in the next four months. Half of the respondents

expect staffing levels to remain unchanged.

Industry executives noted continued uncertainty around geopolitical developments, inflation and fuel costs, while also pointing to resilience in equipment finance demand.

Konecranes Secures $ 51.2M Portal Jib Crane Order From U. S. Navy

Konecranes has received a $ 51.2 million order from the U. S. Navy for a heavy-lift portal jib crane that will be delivered to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.

The order, booked in May 2026, marks Konecranes’ seventh portal jib crane order from the U. S. Navy and completes an agreement originally announced in December 2019.

According to the company, the 175- ton portal jib crane will be manufactured in Wisconsin before being installed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The crane features a customized design that allows operation on both straight and curved tracks, supporting shipyard requirements.

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard installation represents the latest delivery under the multi-order agreement between Konecranes and the U. S. Navy, continuing the company’ s supply of heavy-lift equipment for naval shipyard operations.

Manitowoc Debuts Mobile Crane Training Center

Manitowoc has launched its Mobile Training & Technology Center( MTTC) across North America following its debut at the CONEXPO-CON / AGG in Las Vegas.

The MTTC is a transportable training facility designed to bring in-person instruction directly to dealer locations. The unit enables Manitowoc dealers to host technician training courses on-site, reducing the need for travel while supporting hands-on learning in a workshop environment.

Cattron Debuts Tyro 2x2 for Crane Control

Cattron has launched the Tyro 2x2, a radio remote control system designed for overhead cranes, hoists, jib cranes and monorail systems.

The system pairs Musca 2S handheld transmitters with an AC-powered receiver to deliver two-motion, two-speed control. It is available in four configurations, allowing users to select combinations of motion and speed control based on application requirements.

Each Tyro 2x2 package includes two transmitters and a compact receiver, with wireless pairing enabling setup in approximately 15 minutes. The system is designed to reduce installation complexity and commissioning time.

A distinguishing feature of the Tyro 2x2 is its AC-driven receiver with potential-free dry contact relays, which are commonly required in crane and hoist systems. This configuration eliminates the need for additional interface hardware.

The Musca 2S transmitters are designed for use in industrial environments, with IP67-rated housings that protect against dust and moisture.

After the event, the MTTC traveled to MGX Equipment Services in Salt Lake City, where it hosted its first live training sessions. The initial course was a Crane Technician Orientation( CTO) program for participants from local crane rental companies, Cowin Equipment and Wagstaff Crane. The session was led by Manitowoc instructor Brandon Pieffer and focused on foundational skills for entrylevel technicians and early-stage workforce development.

The MTTC is built on a modular 53-foot step-deck trailer and can be set up onsite in approximately four hours. The 43-foot by 25-foot facility includes integrated multimedia tools that support customized training programs aligned with dealer and customer needs. Manitowoc said the mobile format is particularly suited for entry-level programs such as CTO courses.

Following its stop in Utah, the MTTC is scheduled to travel to Denver as part of its ongoing North American tour.

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July 2026 • www. cranehotline. com