What kind of lever is a wrecking ball?

A wrecking ball is an example of a third-class lever. In this configuration, the effort is applied between the fulcrum and the load; the fulcrum is the point where the crane's arm pivots, the load is the weight of the wrecking ball, and the effort is the force exerted by the crane to swing the ball. This setup allows for a greater range of motion and the ability to exert force on structures being demolished.