Abstract: A machine for lifting and handling loads with an orientable articulated placing jib, comprising a mast with a rotating pivot, an articulated jib (16) comprising a jib foot (19), articulated at its first end on the top of the mast by a horizontal rotation axis (27), a jib head member (18) articulated for rotation by a horizontal articulation axis (32) at the second end of the jib foot, a jib holding assembly comprising at least one stanchion (7), a jib holding line (11) and a moving counterweight (100) connected to the jib by the said holding line. The counterweight is made to follow a guiding track (1) with a variable slope (?), integral with the rotating pivot, supporting the said counterweight, arranged opposite to the jib, and where the variations in slope (?) are chosen so that the counterweight exerts a set of variable forces on the said jib and on the structure of the said machine, helping to balance the machine during movements of deployment/retraction of the jib in articulated working mode.

Abstract: The invention concerns a load lifting and handling appliance with articulated jib, capable of being raised and inclined, comprising a mast, a jib foot articulated in rotation at its first end (35) to the top of the mast (21, 22, 29), a fly jib (41) articulated in rotation at the second end (36, 37) of the jib foot, said fly jib comprising on either side of its hinge pin (45) to the fly jib foot respectively a fly jib point (43) and a counter fly jib (42, 49), a jib-retaining assembly comprising at least a king post (16) and a jib tie (25), and at least a double acting stick cylinder (3) linking the jib foot to the fly jib, determining the angle between jib foot and fly jib. The foot portion proximate to said second end and the counter fly jib having conjugated shapes enabling the fly jib point to be urged in aligned position with the jib foot. The lifting appliance may comprise a mobile counterweight system (113).