For load compensation, different kinds of elastomeric load compensators are placed at various locations on the crane for increased flexibility and for shock and vibration absorption. The elastomeric load compensators employ elastomeric tension elements, elastomeric torsion elements, or elastomeric shear elements. Elastomeric tension elements can be simply inserted in series with the main hoist rope. An elastomeric load compensator employing elastomeric torsion elements is mounted to the underside of the boom for receiving the live end of the main hoist rope. A single stack of elastomeric shear elements is suitable for mounting a hoist or winch or an idler sheave to the crane structure. For additional load compensation, the hoist, winch, and idler sheaves are mounted on rails for increased displacements under heave loads, and the increased displacements are compensated by elongated elastomeric tension elements or multiple elastomeric tension, torsion or shear elements in series.