A service crane for a wind turbine comprising a main crane beam (128) having a track (154) that accommodates a trolley (156). A hinge (144) is provided at a pivot point (148) near a proximate end of the main beam (128), such that an aft portion of the main beam (128) extends beyond the pivot point (148) to the exterior of the turbine. A distal end of the main beam (128) rests upon a forward beam. A lateral motion actuator (134) moves the main beam (128) back and forth along the forward beam. The trolley (156) runs back and forth along the main beam (128). A turbine component is attached to a hook lowered by cable from the trolley (156). The trolley (156) with the component on the hook is moved to the aft portion of the main beam (128), which extends beyond the turbine. The hook is lowered to the ground so that the component can be serviced or replaced.