Grove RT745 Rough Terrain Crane Serial Number Identification and Field Legacy

[MikePhua]

The Grove RT745 and Its Role in Mid-Capacity Lifting
The Grove RT745 is a rough terrain crane built for demanding off-road lifting operations, commonly found in construction, oilfield logistics, and infrastructure development. With a lifting capacity in the 45-ton class and a boom reach exceeding 100 feet with extensions, the RT745 was designed to bridge the gap between mobility and lifting power. Grove Manufacturing, founded in 1947 in Pennsylvania, became a global leader in mobile cranes before being acquired by Manitowoc in 2002. The RT series, including the RT745, remains a staple in fleets that value mechanical reliability and field serviceability.
The RT745 features four-wheel drive, crab steering, and a hydraulically telescoping boom. Its design emphasizes stability on uneven terrain, with outriggers and load moment indicators ensuring safe operation under variable conditions. Many units are powered by Caterpillar diesel engines, known for torque-rich performance and global parts availability.
Terminology Annotation

• Rough Terrain Crane: A mobile crane designed for off-road use, equipped with large tires, high ground clearance, and outriggers for stability.
  
• Serial Number (SN): A unique identifier assigned to each unit, used for tracking production year, configuration, and service history.
  
• Load Moment Indicator (LMI): A safety system that monitors boom angle, load weight, and radius to prevent overloading.
  
• Boom Extension: A telescoping or lattice section added to the main boom to increase reach.
  

Decoding the Serial Number and Model Year
One of the most common challenges with legacy Grove cranes like the RT745 is determining the exact model year from the serial number. Unlike standardized VIN systems in automotive manufacturing, crane serial numbers often follow internal logic that varies by production era.
For Grove RT745 units, the first two digits of the serial number typically correspond to the year of manufacture. For example, a serial number beginning with “79” likely indicates a 1995–1996 build, depending on production batch and regional configuration. However, this method is not foolproof, especially for units that have undergone refurbishment or engine replacement.
Recommendations:

• Contact Grove or Manitowoc directly with the full serial number for verification
  
• Cross-reference with parts manuals or service bulletins from the suspected year
  
• Inspect emission plates, engine tags, and hydraulic pump labels for date codes
  
• Compare cab layout and control panel design with known year-specific configurations
  

In one Boston-based fleet, a crane with SN 79737 was initially believed to be a 2003 model due to its CAT engine and cab styling. After consulting a dealer, it was confirmed to be a 1996 unit retrofitted with newer components.
Engine Variants and Retrofit Considerations
Many RT745 cranes are equipped with Caterpillar diesel engines, such as the 3116 or 3126 series. These engines offer strong low-end torque and are compatible with mechanical and electronic control systems. However, some units have been repowered with newer engines to meet emissions standards or improve fuel efficiency.
When evaluating an RT745:

• Check engine block casting numbers and ECM tags
  
• Verify compatibility with existing hydraulic pumps and cooling systems
  
• Ensure that repowered units have updated wiring harnesses and control logic
  
• Confirm that the LMI system is calibrated for the new engine’s RPM and torque curve
  

In one Midwest operation, a repowered RT745 with a CAT C7 engine showed erratic boom response due to mismatched hydraulic flow rates. Replacing the pump and recalibrating the LMI resolved the issue.
Operational Strengths and Maintenance Strategy
The RT745 excels in:

• Lifting structural steel on uneven terrain
  
• Supporting oilfield rig-up operations
  
• Handling precast concrete components
  
• Performing short-reach lifts in confined spaces
  

To maintain peak performance:

• Inspect boom sections quarterly for wear and hydraulic leaks
  
• Test LMI calibration annually or after any major repair
  
• Replace outrigger pads and seals every 2,000 hours
  
• Flush hydraulic fluid every 1,000 hours or annually
  
• Keep a detailed log of serial number, engine model, and retrofit history
  

Some operators install GPS-based fleet tracking and digital maintenance logs to streamline service intervals and reduce downtime.
Conclusion
The Grove RT745 remains a trusted workhorse in the rough terrain crane category, blending mechanical simplicity with lifting power. Decoding its serial number is key to understanding its production year and configuration, especially when dealing with retrofitted or repowered units. With proper documentation, dealer support, and preventative maintenance, the RT745 can continue serving reliably in the field—lifting not just loads, but the legacy of Grove’s engineering excellence.