If the jib of a crane is offset, what happens to the crane's capacity?

When the jib of a crane is offset, the crane's capacity is indeed reduced. This reduction occurs because an offset jib changes the load dynamics and the overall stability of the crane. When the load is moved outward from the vertical line of the crane's support, it exerts more leverage and increases the bending moment on the crane's structure. This results in a decreased capacity for safely lifting and handling loads, as the crane is designed to operate within specific weight limits depending on the configuration of its boom and jib.

Moreover, cranes are engineered with precise load charts that consider the jib's angle and position. Offsetting the jib means the load can no longer be supported at its maximum capacity as indicated in these charts, ultimately leading to a safer operation by preventing overload situations. This highlights the importance of understanding load diagrams and the effects of boom configurations on crane operation.