Derrick Groves: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Matter in Construction

When you see a massive steel beam being lifted into place on a Cape Town high-rise, or a pre-cast concrete panel lowered into a Durban bridge deck, there’s a good chance a Derrick Groves, a type of lifting device used in construction to hoist heavy materials with precision. Also known as derrick cranes, it’s a simple but powerful system that doesn’t need a full rotating cab to do its job. These aren’t flashy machines like tower cranes, but they’re the quiet workhorses behind some of Africa’s biggest infrastructure projects.

Derrick groves are built for stability, not speed. They’re often mounted on fixed platforms, barges, or even the ground near tall structures. You’ll see them on ports loading shipping containers, on offshore oil rigs, and on urban sites where space is tight and precision matters more than reach. Unlike a typical crane that swings its load in a full circle, a derrick grove pulls its load along a fixed arc—usually using a system of ropes, pulleys, and a tilting mast. This makes them perfect for vertical lifts in confined areas. In South Africa, where road and rail upgrades are happening fast, derrick groves help install heavy utility poles, bridge girders, and tunnel segments without blocking traffic or requiring massive crane setups.

What makes derrick groves stand out is how they handle weight without needing a huge counterweight. That’s why you’ll find them on ships, in mining operations, and even in historical restorations where ground conditions can’t support heavy machinery. They’re also cheaper to operate and easier to transport than full-sized cranes. In places like Limpopo or the Eastern Cape, where logistics are tough and sites are remote, a derrick grove can be assembled quickly with basic tools and run on standard diesel power. It’s not about being the biggest—it’s about being the right tool for the job.

You won’t always hear their name in the news, but you’ll see their results. From the new Nelson Mandela Bridge in Johannesburg to the upgrades along the N3 highway, derrick groves are quietly making African construction safer and faster. They’re used by small contractors and big firms alike because they don’t need a crew of ten to operate—just a skilled operator and a clear plan. And with South Africa pushing to modernize its infrastructure, the demand for reliable, compact lifting systems like derrick groves is only growing.

Below, you’ll find real examples from across the continent—how they’re used on sites, what went right (and wrong), and why they’re still irreplaceable in today’s construction world.