To gain additional reach or height for light loads, a _____ can be added to the end of a crane's boom.

• A. Counterweight
• B. Pulley
• C. Jib
• D. Hook

Answer: (C)

The extension arm at the end of a crane’s boom, called a jib, provides additional reach. By projecting outward from the main boom, the jib lets the crane place a load farther away (and, with the right angle, a bit higher) without overloading the primary boom. This is especially useful for light loads where you want more reach without adding heavy ballast or changing the crane’s base setup. A counterweight is used to balance the crane and doesn’t extend reach. A pulley changes the lifting line’s direction or mechanical advantage but doesn’t lengthen the boom. A hook is simply the load attachment and also doesn’t extend reach. Therefore, adding a jib best achieves the goal of gaining extra reach.