What is the purpose of a jib?

• A. Add additional reach
• B. Increase lifting capacity
• C. Stabilize the crane
• D. Improve maneuverability

Answer: (A)

A jib provides additional horizontal reach for the crane, projecting outward from the main boom so you can place the load farther from the crane base or reach over obstacles. That extended reach is its primary purpose—it expands the crane’s working envelope without changing the inherent lifting capacity of the crane itself.

Adding a jib does not increase how much weight you can lift at the hook. In fact, as the distance from the base increases, the load creates a larger moment, so the safe lifting capacity at a given reach is typically reduced and must be checked against the load chart. Stabilization comes from the crane’s base, outriggers, and ballast, not from the jib itself. While a jib can make it easier to position loads in tight spaces, the main idea is reach, not more maneuverability or inherent stability.