A crane is a lifting machine, generally equipped with a winder, wire ropes or chains and sheaves, that can be used both to lift and lower materials and to move them horizontally. It uses one or more simple machines to create mechanical advantage and thus move loads beyond the normal capability of a human. Cranes are commonly employed in the transport industry for the loading and unloading of freight, in the construction industry for the movement of materials and in the manufacturing industry for the assembling of heavy equipment.

Crane for Lifting Cars

A crane is a lifting machine, generally equipped with a winder, wire ropes or chains and sheaves, that…

"A Crane is a machine for lifting weights, worked either by hand or by steam, or by hydraulic power. The most common hand form consisting of an upright revolving post and projecting arm, the jib with a fixed pulley at its extremity. The lifting chain or rope is secured to the weight, passes over the fixed pulley, and then round a drum or cylinder; suitable toothed-wheel gearing worked by a handle revolves this drum, and thus winds up or unwinds the rope or chain, and so raises or lowers the weight."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

Steam Crane

"A Crane is a machine for lifting weights, worked either by hand or by steam, or by hydraulic power.…

A man exercising with the lifting machine. This device is used for leg exercises.

Lifting Machine

A man exercising with the lifting machine. This device is used for leg exercises.