A derrick crane of the invention is of the type having a jib (10) pivoted about a horizontal pivot (11) to the movable member of a bearing device supported by a pedestal. In such known cranes the bearing device can be subjected to severe twisting forces. The bearing device in the crane of the invention comprises a single ring of free running balls (7) which are a running fit in registering grooves (5, 6) formed in inner and outer bearing rings (2, 3) of which the inner ring is fixed to a mast (1) constituting a vertically extended pedestal. The bearing device is positioned on the mast (1) to cause the thrust (26) of the jib to pass within the pitch circle diameter (27) of the ring of balls (7). The thrust from the jib causes purely downward forces to be exerted on all parts of the ring of balls.