Choosing the right overhead crane for your business can seem daunting due to the hundreds of sizes and configurations available. However, if you work with limited floor space or perform repetitive lifts, a jib crane might be your material handling solution.

 

Unlike gantry cranes, which require a runway, and bridge cranes, which utilize a single or double girder attachment, jib cranes typically attach to the foundation or a structural wall. They have a lift capacity ranging from 250 lbs. to 15 tons and can provide 180° to 360° of rotation. Thanks to their simple installation, compact size, and economical price point, jib cranes are ideal for tight workspaces or supplementing another larger overhead crane.

 

 

Jib Crane Components

 

Let’s start with a quick review of their major components to help you understand how flexible and versatile a jib crane can be.

 

 

Jib Crane Base

 

The base is bolted to the floor and supports the mast and boom assemblies. Since most industrial slabs can support these cranes without reinforcing the floor assembly, the jib crane can be easily relocated if your products or processes change. Wall-mounted jib cranes don’t utilize a base; the vertical structure provides support.

 

Jib Crane Mast

 

The mast is a vertical beam or column held by the base that can rotate 360 °. It supports the other crane components and establishes its maximum lift height. A mast is standard on most jib cranes except wall-mounted, wall-traveling, column-mounted, and ceiling-mounted installations.

 

Jib Crane Boom

 

The boom extends horizontally from the mast, wall, ceiling, or column to provide the structural integrity needed to move loads or materials. It also provides the required track for the trolley and hoist assemblies.

 

 

Jib Crane Trolley

 

This motorized component moves the hoist along the top or bottom of the boom. Trollies can travel the entire boom length but remain stationary during lifting operations. They are powered by a festoon system of power cables and supports.

 

 

Jib Crane Hoists

 

Hoists lift or lower loads using chains, wire ropes, or straps. Depending on the use and operating environment, hoists can be powered manually, pneumatically, or electrically.

 

 

Jib Crane Rotation Stop

 

Rotation stops are typically welded to the crane’s mast to limit the amount of rotation available. These stops are essential to avoid collisions with nearby walls or columns.

 

 

Types of Jib Cranes

 

Besides their height and rated capacity, jib cranes are typically classified by their different installation types.

 

 

 

 

Floor-Mounted Jib Crane

 

Floor-mounted options can be divided into two distinct types.

 

The first is the freestanding option, which allows the crane to be installed indoors or outdoors while providing 360° of rotation. Freestanding cranes typically attach to the building’s foundation or slab. Larger units may require reinforcing the existing slab or foundation to handle the additional stress and weight.

 

The second is mast-style jib cranes bolted to the concrete slab and connected to the overhead roof structure. This often eliminates the need to reinforce the existing slab or foundation, reducing installation costs and timelines. Additionally, mast-style jibs can be fully cantilevered to provide maximum clearance underneath the crane, or they can be dropped cantilevered to allow the boom to be lowered to a specific height on the mast.

 

 

Wall-Mounted Jib Crane

 

With either wall-mounted option, the crane can be folded away when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space while providing up to 200° of rotation.

 

The cantilever option provides maximum boom clearance and the most straightforward installation. Because they transfer less force to the structural building columns, they can be installed almost anywhere on the site.

 

With the tie-rod option, no under-boom support is needed as the tie-rods attach to the wall via reinforced wall brackets. This allows the trolley and hoist to travel the full boom length.

 

 

Articulated Jib Cranes

 

This type of jib crane features an inner arm with 200° of rotation and an outer arm with 300° of rotation to provide maximum workspace coverage for busy mills and plants. This increased flexibility allows them to reach into machinery, move loads around corners, and pass over or under virtually any obstacle.

Depending on the size and capacity, articulated jib cranes can be installed using the abovementioned options to increase the range of motion and lifting flexibility.

 

 

Choosing the Best Overhead Crane for Your Business

 

Each jib crane is designed, engineered, and built to meet a range of specific lifting requirements. Making the best decision possible includes looking at other important considerations.

 

  • Building structure
  • Crane capacity
  • Hoist capacity
  • Span
  • Hook height
  • Usage
  • Operating conditions

 

Once you have assembled your building information and jib crane lift requirements, call us directly at 1-800-713-0103 or email the Hi-Speed jib crane experts to discuss your needs in greater detail.

 

 

Related Articles and Information

 

Due to your interest in jib cranes, here are some other articles you may find helpful.

 

Which Overhead Crane System Do You Need?

 

Examining the Different Overhead Crane and Hoist Options Available for Your Business