A control handle for mounting on a forward end of a tail section of a crane having a crane pivot axis includes a normally-engaged brake mechanism thereon for maintaining the control handle in a fixed position until disengaged by an operator, the control handle when disengaged being rotatable about a pivot axis parallel to the crane pivot axis. A crane assembly incorporating the control handle includes a wheeled dolly, a telescopic crane pivotably mounted on the wheeled dolly about a crane pivot axis, the telescopic crane having a forward end, and a rearward end opposite the forward end, a telescopic boom at the forward end, and a tail section at the rearward end. The control handle is mounted on the forward end of the tail section.