For 75 years, JJ Curran Crane Company has been more than a business—it’s a family legacy built on principles that stand the test of time. Founded in 1950 by John J. “JJ” Curran, we’ve grown from a single backhoe to Michigan’s premier provider of crane rental equipment, all while staying true to the values that shaped us: fair pricing, quality equipment, great people, and an unshakable commitment to excellence.
Why Choose JJ Curran?
We’re not just crane rental equipment providers—we’re problem solvers. From 8-ton rough terrains to 450-ton all-terrain giants, our fleet is meticulously maintained and ready for any challenge. Need a mobilift, boom truck, or specialized crawler crane? We’ve got you covered.
But what truly sets us apart? How we work. We listen. We adapt. We treat your project like it’s our own. Combine that with JJ’s Founding Principles: Fair Pricing, Quality Equipment, Great People, 75 years of know-how, and you’ve got a partner you can rely on.
Our Story: Built by Family Fueled by Grit
It all started with a $400 investment and a whole lot of determination. In 1950, Marine Corps veteran John J. “JJ” Curran founded Dearborn Excavating with a 1933 Link Belt Speeder Backhoe. Teaming up with his wife Jacquelyn “Jackie”—his partner in both life and business—the duo grew the company while raising five children. With only two other employees, the small business did most of their work for Aurora Gasoline Company, now part of Marathon Oil. By 1958, their hard work paid off with million-dollar underground construction projects.
But JJ’s vision didn’t stop there. In 1954, he purchased a game-changer: a Lorraine 30-ton mobile crane, one of Detroit’s largest at the time. This sparked the birth of Downriver Crane Company, which quickly expanded to six cranes. By 1959, JJ renamed the crane division to reflect their growing reach: the JJ Curran Crane Company was born.
The decades that followed saw explosive growth. From adding a groundbreaking 140-ton Grove Hydraulic crane (a global marvel in its day) to operating 50+ machines by the 1970s, the Currans became synonymous with innovation. Through the early years, JJ and Jackie kept family at the heart of every decision, instilling values that still guide us today.
JJ Curran became Detroit’s backbone, quietly shaping the city’s skyline and keeping its industrial heart beating. When Joe Louis Arena rose in the late ’70s, their cranes were there—hoisting steel, defying deadlines, and proving that Detroit could still dream big. Through the ’80s and ’90s, the company weathered recessions and industry shifts, never wavering in its commitment to the Motor City.
As Detroit reinvented itself, so did JJ Curran Crane. Their crane rental equipment continued to power steel mills and refineries, ensuring the factories that built America kept running. And when Little Caesars Arena rose in 2017, they were there again—partnering with grit, just as JJ would’ve wanted. Through every boom, bust, and rebirth, one thing stayed constant: they lift Detroit. From Joe Louis to today’s skyline, from factory floors to futuristic stadiums, JJ Curran’s cranes have carried this city’s hopes, one lift at a time.
Meet the Currans: A Legacy of Leadership
John J. Curran
JJ was a WWII Marine Corps veteran and graduate of Michigan State College, he was a relentless entrepreneur with a zest for life. When he wasn’t piloting planes or perfecting his golf swing, he’d be hunting, tinkering with cars, or boating on Michigan’s lakes. But his greatest pride? His family and business. His motto, “It’s Not Luck, It’s Know How,” remains our guidepost—a reminder that hard work, not chance, built this company from a single backhoe into Detroit’s lifting legacy.
Jacquelyn Curran
The glue of the Curran clan, Jackie balanced raising five kids with supporting JJ’s ventures. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and very committed to the business. Her warmth and dedication shaped the company’s culture, ensuring every customer felt like part of the family.
The Next Generation:
Larry Curran
Larry graduated from Michigan State University where he was a member of the hockey team. He joined the company as a full-time employee in 1974, working in all divisions of the company, allowing him better insight to the total operation of the crane business. His 45-year tenure included leadership in the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association (SC&RA) cementing JJ Curran’s industry reputation. Upon retiring in 2019, his brother Jeff praised him: “Working with my brother has been a tremendous and rewarding experience. I want to thank Larry and his entire family for their dedication and commitment to our family business over the years.”
Jeff Curran – President
Stepping into the presidency in 2019, Jeff embodies the Curran spirit: equal parts tradition and forward-thinking. A lifelong student of the business, he grew up shadowing JJ and Larry, learning the ropes from the ground up. Beyond leading JJ Curran, Jeff is also the founder of Fleet Cost & Care—a technology company revolutionizing fleet management for businesses nationwide. This dual expertise ensures JJ Curran’s equipment is not only top-tier but optimized for peak performance and value. Under Jeff’s leadership, we’ve embraced new technology while doubling down on the personalized service that’s defined us for generations. An avid motorsports fan, when he’s not on a job site, you’ll find Jeff at the racetrack, his garage, or spending time with family.
Here’s to the Next 75 Years
From JJ’s first crane to Jeff’s vision for tomorrow, we’re proud to be your neighbors, your partners, and your crane rental equipment experts. Because for us, this isn’t just business—it’s family.
