What effect does adding a jib to the boom have on lifting capacity?

Adding a jib to the boom generally reduces lifting capacity because it alters the geometry and the leverage of the lifting system. When a jib is added, it creates a horizontal extension from the boom, which effectively changes the center of gravity of the load and increases the distance between the load and the mast. This new configuration can introduce additional forces on the crane, leading to a decrease in the overall lifting capability due to increased stress on the boom and the lifting mechanism.

Moreover, the positioning of the load at a greater distance from the base of the crane means that the crane must deal with increased moments and leverage, which can exceed the designed lifting limits. Therefore, even though a jib might extend the reach, it can compromise the overall safe lifting capacity of the crane. This is crucial for operators to understand to prevent accidents and equipment failure during operation.