Railroad cranes are a unique type of crane that is used for railroad-related purposes. They are primarily used for freight handling, maintenance and accident recovery work. The type of work a railroad crane carries out often effects how the crane is configured, with different tools and parts fitted for its purpose.
While railroad cranes can come in various configurations, the basic design of the crane is the same. It consists of a rotating body mounted on a chassis and flanged wheels for railroad travel. The body of the crane supports the jib and provides the lifting force needed to haul heavy loads. An operators cabin is often fitted, if not manual control systems are fitted.
Certain models of railroad cranes have a jib that extends beyond the length of the chassis. In these cases, the cranes are also fitted with a jib carrier which protects the jib and allows it to be coupled within a train, as the extended jib requires extra space for it to fit on the train.