Crane construction and method of operation

In a crane having a fixed boom support thereon, a multisectional boom including a base section having a rear end pivoted on said support and at least one intermediate section telescoped within said base section and normally having an overhanging portion extending beyond the forward end of the base section in a retracted working position, a fluid ram having its cylinder connected to said intermediate section and a piston rod extending therefrom, first means on said base section defining a first connection for said piston rod adjacent the rear end of said base section, and second means on said fixed boom support rearwardly of the rear end of said base section defining a second connection for said piston rod, said second connecting means having guide means for guiding said piston rod into alignment therewith so that said piston rod can be disconnected from said first connection on said base section, so that said piston rod can be extended, guided by said guide means into alignment with said second connection and connected to said second connection, whereby said cylinder can be retracted to move said intermediate section from said retracted working position to a stored position wherein said overhanging portion is telescoped into said base section and an opposite end portion is moved beyond said rear end of said base section to reduce the overall length of said crane.