Assist cranes are sometimes needed to support the weight of which crane component?

• A. The Boom
• B. The Load
• C. The Counterweight
• D. The Base Frame

Answer: (A)

When assembling or maintaining cranes, an auxiliary (assist) crane is used to hold up a heavy component that the main crane can’t safely support on its own. The boom is the long, heavy lifting arm, and during erection or dismantling it must be held in place and stabilized. An assist crane provides temporary support to the boom, easing connections and pinning, and preventing unwanted movement or tipping until the main crane can take over control. The load, counterweight, and base frame are handled as part of the crane’s normal operation or are integral parts of the crane itself, not typically supported by another crane in the same way. So the boom is the component that may require an assist crane to bear its weight.