Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Crane Rentals and Sales in Chicago, IL
Imperial Crane stands as a testament to American entrepreneurial spirit, founded in 1969 by John Bohne with a single 25-ton crane. Over five decades, we've evolved into one of the world's largest crane companies, serving iconic projects like Trump Tower and Citgo Petroleum plants. Our commitment to safety, evidenced by our SC&RA membership and 2023 Safety and Rigging Award, remains unmatched in the industry. Under CEO B.J. Bohne's leadership since 2003, we've expanded to 500+ employees and 300+ cranes while maintaining the hands-on work ethic established by our founder. Our fleet includes rough terrain cranes, mobile cranes, and specialized heavy-lift equipment for industrial, commercial, and energy sector applications.We combine cutting-edge technology with time-tested expertise to deliver impeccable performance across thousands of completed projects. Our Merlo telehandler division, featuring best-in-class rotating forklifts, represents the latest innovation in our equipment offerings. With operations spanning Louisiana to Wisconsin, we provide both rental and sales solutions tailored to diverse construction challenges. Our proprietary Telogis GPS system ensures optimal equipment tracking and utilization for client projects. Through The Bohne Foundation, we extend our commitment to excellence into community service, supporting education and medical research initiatives.
Services
Crane Rentals
Crane Sales
Telehandlers
Financing Options
Safety Training
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- 24/7 emergency crane services with rapid response times
- Fleet of 300+ cranes serving Midwest industrial projects
- 2023 Safety and Rigging Award recipient for operational excellence
- Fourth-generation family leadership with 55+ years industry experience
- Proprietary GPS tracking system for real-time equipment monitoring
Associations and certifications
- Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA)
What people say
24/7 availability
Large equipment fleet
Safety-focused operations
Experienced team
Award-winning service
Services
Crane Rentals
We offer comprehensive crane rental solutions with one of the largest fleets in the U.S. Our inventory includes rough terrain cranes, mobile cranes, crawlers, and specialized heavy-lift equipment for construction, industrial, and energy projects. With 300+ units available 24/7, we provide rapid deployment for both short-term and long-term needs across multiple states.
Crane Sales
Our crane sales division features new and used equipment from leading manufacturers. We specialize in matching clients with optimal solutions for their specific operational requirements, including technical specifications, capacity needs, and budget considerations. Our sales team provides comprehensive support from selection through delivery and implementation.
Telehandlers
We provide Merlo telehandlers featuring rotating forklift technology with capacities from 5,500 to 26,500 lbs. These versatile machines offer multiple attachments and 360-degree visibility for construction, industrial, and material handling applications. Available for purchase or rental with local parts support in six Midwest states.
Financing Options
Our financing solutions help clients acquire necessary equipment through flexible payment structures. We partner with financial institutions to offer competitive rates for crane purchases, with tailored terms that accommodate business cash flow requirements while maintaining operational capacity.
Safety Training
We provide comprehensive safety training programs for crane operators and rigging personnel. Our curriculum covers OSHA compliance, load chart interpretation, equipment inspection protocols, and risk mitigation strategies. Training is delivered by certified instructors using industry-standard equipment and real-world scenarios.
People
John Bohne
Founder
Started with a single 25-ton crane in 1969, building the company into one of the world's largest crane operations. Known for hands-on leadership and transforming Chicago-based operations into an industry leader.
B.J. Bohne
President and CEO
Fourth-generation leader since 2003, growing company revenue from $30M to $100M+ with fleet expansion from 30 to 300+ cranes. Recognized as a top young business leader with multiple industry awards.
Jeff Bohne
Vice President of Equipment Sales
Manages telehandler division and equipment sales operations. Direct contact for Merlo product line inquiries, providing expert consultation for equipment selection and acquisition strategies.
Questions
What types of cranes do you rent?
We offer rough terrain, mobile, crawler, tower, and specialized cranes up to 25-ton capacity for construction, industrial, and energy sector applications.
Do you provide 24/7 crane services?
Yes, our emergency crane services operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with rapid response times for critical project needs.
What states do you serve?
We serve Louisiana, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin with local equipment support and delivery capabilities.
Are financing options available for crane purchases?
Yes, we offer equipment financing solutions with flexible terms for new and used crane acquisitions through partnered financial institutions.
What safety certifications do you hold?
We maintain SC&RA membership and received the 2023 Safety and Rigging Award for industry-leading safety protocols and training programs.
