Abstract: A gravity crane which is manually operated by an operator who is harnessed to one end of a cantilevered balance beam. Clockwise moments are furnished by a fixed counterweight and by a adjustable ballast for coarse balancing. Counterclockwise moment is provided by the weight of the operator. By displacing a control weight located close to the operator the net sum of clockwise and counterclockwise moments may be smoothly shifted so that the operator can raise or lower himself with a minimum of effort, thereby simulating weightlessness. The operating control cord is always within reach of the operator and the entire crane may be swiveled on a rotatable base.