crane

Diagram of a modern crawler crane with outriggers. The latticed boom is fitted with a jib. Manual crane from the late 19th century used for unloading small loads from ships at the Port of Barcelona, Spain Modern cranes used as part of the reconstruction of the Houses of Parliament, in Cape Town CBD

A crane is a machine used to move materials both vertically and horizontally, utilizing a system of a boom, hoist, wire ropes or chains, and sheaves for lifting and relocating heavy objects within the swing of its boom. The device uses one or more simple machines, such as the lever and pulley, to create mechanical advantage to do its work. Cranes are commonly employed in transportation for the loading and unloading of freight, in construction for the movement of materials, and in manufacturing for the assembling of heavy equipment.