If counter weights on tall cranes are used for stability, why don’t the crane lean backwards without any load ?

Question

If counter weights on tall cranes are used for stability, why don’t the crane lean backwards without any load ?

In: Physics

Answer 1

For many cranes, the counterweight is just a bunch of concrete blocks on the ground ([example](https://www.weissbrothers.us/industry-updates/take-a-look-at-those-counterweights/)). Without a load, the concrete blocks rest on their support on the ground.

If it’s something up in the air then it’s either adjustable or it’s just helping a bit, shifting the crane from “balanced — everything on the right” to “a bit on the left — a bit on the right”.