What is a Jib Crane and Its Types

A jib crane is a type of crane that has a horizontal beam, or jib, that can be rotated to lift and move heavy loads. It's often used in manufacturing and construction.

Jib cranes are available in various types, including wall-mounted, free-standing, and overhead cranes. The choice of type depends on the specific application and available space.

A jib crane is a type of lifting equipment featuring an arm or boom that extends from the main structure to increase its reach. Jib cranes are well-suited for small workspaces.

They're ideal for repetitive lifting tasks, offering remarkable flexibility and versatility. You can lift loads ranging from 250 lbs to 15 tons with a jib crane.

Jib cranes come in various types, each tailored to different lifting needs. Freestanding jib cranes are the most widely used and can be installed in various locations.

Jib cranes come in various types, each designed to suit specific needs and workspaces. Articulating jib cranes are perfect for navigating around obstacles, with pivot points that allow for precise load positioning.

These cranes can be mounted in different ways, including wall-mounted, floor-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or integrated into a bridge system. They often feature a swivel arm and a boom, enabling smooth rotation and precise responsiveness.

Articulating jib cranes can be customized to meet specific requirements, with capacities available up to 2,000 lbs and up to 16’ span. They're ideal for applications that involve frequent use, careful positioning, or reaching around corners or columns.

Here are some common types of jib cranes:

Mast-style jib cranes and mast jib cranes are similar, but differ in their design and functionality. Mast-style jib cranes are cost-effective and can be mounted to building columns or a reinforced concrete floor, while mast jib cranes are floor-supported and stabilized from the top by the building's beams.

There are several types of jib cranes, each designed for specific applications and workspaces. Jib cranes are versatile and adaptable, making them suitable for installation in various areas.

Their straightforward design allows for customization in small spaces, helping to alleviate the burden of lifting heavy or cumbersome materials. Jib cranes are often used alongside other equipment to improve operational efficiency.

The structure of a jib crane is defined by the jib, which supports the lifting mechanism. The jib is the horizontal beam that extends from the mast, wall, ceiling, or column.

There are different types of articulating jib cranes, including bridge-mounted, ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, freestanding, and portable base models. These cranes feature a swivel arm and a boom, allowing for smooth rotation and precise responsiveness.

Articulating jib cranes can be mounted in various ways, including wall-mounted, floor-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or integrated into a bridge system. They offer a 200° swivel and 360° rotation, making them ideal for applications that require frequent use, careful positioning, or reaching around corners or columns.

The boom is the primary weight-bearing component of any jib crane, extending horizontally from the mast, wall, ceiling, or column. The boom serves as a track along which a trolley moves to transport the load.

Here are some common types of articulating jib cranes:

The boom height of a jib crane can be adjusted according to operational needs, taking into account proximity to ceilings, obstructions, and other equipment.

Mast-style jib cranes are a cost-effective option that mounts to building columns or a reinforced concrete floor.

You can save even more money by not having to pour a special foundation.

Mast-style jib cranes offer 360-degree rotation, allowing you to access any part of your work area.

Spanco has two models of mast-style jib cranes: Full Cantilever and Drop Cantilever.

These cranes are a great option for work areas with limited floor space.

Mast jib cranes, on the other hand, are floor-supported and stabilized from the top by the building's beams.

Unlike other types of jib cranes, mast jib cranes require minimal floor space and don't need modifications to the building's foundation.

They come in two main designs: full cantilever and drop cantilever models.

Full cantilever models use the maximum top space of the building, while drop cantilever models are fixed at a predetermined height below the ceiling.

Mast jib cranes offer spans ranging from 10 feet to 40 feet, with a lifting capacity of up to ten tons.

They also offer 360° rotation and can extend the boom height from the floor up to the top of the building.

Additional reading: How Do Tower Cranes Work

Portable jib cranes are a great option for facilities that need flexibility in their workflow. They can be easily moved around with a forklift.

A portable base jib crane is designed to be mobile, allowing you to adapt to changing workflows or relocate to another facility. These cranes are ideal for repetitive load transfers to reduce manual labor.

Portable jib cranes are mounted on a mobile base that can be wheeled or lifted with a forklift. They typically have a capacity of less than half a ton.

A single person can move large quantities of materials with a portable jib crane, eliminating the need for additional assistance. They are constructed with a lightweight core for easy mobility, enabling them to be positioned close to the work area.

The essential aspect of portable jib crane design is maintaining stability without the need for permanent securing.

Intriguing read: Mobile Tower Cranes

A jib crane's design is straightforward, primarily consisting of a beam and boom. The beam and boom are the core components of a jib crane.

The mast is the vertical beam that supports the components of a jib crane, made from high-strength steel and securely anchored to the floor or walls of a building. It provides ample clearance to avoid interfering with other processes.

Jib cranes can be customized to accommodate a diverse array of lifting applications, with various components added to enhance their functionality and ease of use.

Portable base jib cranes offer the lifting capacity of a jib crane with the added advantage of mobility. They can be moved using a forklift to adapt to workflow changes or relocate to another facility.

These cranes are ideal for repetitive load transfers to reduce manual labor. A Portable Base Workstation Jib Crane is an example of an ergonomic solution for your facility.

Portable jib cranes are mounted on a mobile base that can be wheeled or lifted with a forklift. Their design allows a single person to move large quantities of materials without additional assistance.

Their essential aspect is maintaining stability without the need for permanent securing. They are constructed with a lightweight core for easy mobility, enabling them to be positioned close to the work area.

Portable jib cranes typically have a capacity of less than half a ton.

Explore further: Portable Jib Crane on Wheels

A jib crane's design is straightforward, primarily consisting of a beam and boom, with various components added to enhance their functionality and ease of use.

The beam and boom are the core components of a jib crane, with the beam providing the structural support and the boom extending out to lift and move loads.

Depending on their intended application, jib cranes may include trolleys and electrical controls or be operated using wire ropes, levers, and chains.

The mast is a critical component that supports the jib crane's components, typically made from high-strength steel and securely anchored to the floor or walls of a building.

Jib cranes featuring a mast are usually cantilever types with full 360° rotation, providing ample clearance to avoid interfering with other processes.

Heavy-duty jib cranes have a more rugged construction suitable for handling heavy industrial usage, often equipped with motorized boom rotations to reduce the effort needed to move and operate them.

Medium-duty cranes can comfortably handle up to 2,000 lbs. without decreased efficiency or breakages, featuring a fully rotating, 360-degree boom for versatility.

Workstation jib cranes are compact units that handle several smaller tasks, capping out at 100, 250, and 500 lbs., with booms that can reach up to 10 ft.

The attachment method of a jib crane to the floor or walls can be foundational, sleeve, or plate-bolted mountings, which affects the crane's overall design and functionality.

Jib cranes can be customized to accommodate a diverse array of lifting applications, with various components and features added to enhance their functionality and ease of use.

The hoist is the mechanism attached to the boom of a jib crane that performs the lifting operation.

Hoists can be powered manually, electrically, or pneumatically, depending on the requirements of the operation.

A wide variety of hoists are designed to meet specific application needs, including chain hoists, wire rope hoists, and lever or ratchet hoists.

Chain hoists are widely preferred because of their cost-effectiveness and minimal maintenance requirements.

Chain hoists can be powered by manual, electric, or pneumatic means.

Their capacity is limited, making them suitable mainly for lighter lifting tasks.

Wire rope hoists lift loads using a wire rope, which wraps around a grooved drum when in operation.

These hoists offer high lifting speeds and can handle loads of 10 tons or more.

Manual hoists, which can be either wire rope or chain types, are designed for infrequent lifting tasks where rapid speed is not essential.

A lever hoist is a type of manual hoist where the operator uses a lever to engage the lifting mechanism, rather than pulling a chain.

A festoon system is used to transport cables and power to the trolley along the boom, ensuring safe and controlled management of power cables.

These systems can be mounted on C tracks, square rails, or I beams, with I beams being the most common for jib cranes.

Festoon systems safeguard cables from damage and ensure reliable connectivity for jib crane components.

They're particularly beneficial for jib cranes with long booms and heavy-duty trolleys, where cable management is crucial.

Power for jib cranes is a crucial aspect to consider, and it's essential to know your options. Jib cranes can be powered by either electrical or pneumatic sources.

The power supply is typically positioned at the top of the mast to supply the hoist, trolley, and boom rotation. This is a standard setup for most jib cranes.

Crane operators use push-button controls to manage the crane's movements, including the operation of the hoist and trolley and the boom's rotation. These controls are designed for ease of use and precise handling of the load.

Manufacturers often assist with power supply considerations during the initial evaluation process, ensuring that the setup is properly configured. This helps prevent any potential issues down the line.

Rotation stops are crucial safety mechanisms designed to prevent a jib crane from colliding with nearby objects or structures.

They're essential when a crane is positioned near walls or columns, and can be a lifesaver in preventing costly damage or accidents.

Typically, rotation stops are permanently welded to the crane's mast to restrict its movement.

Adjustable rotation stops are also available, allowing operators to configure the limits based on the proximity of surrounding equipment.

Hydraulic cranes are a type of crane that uses a hydraulic cylinder to raise and lower the arm of the crane. This type of crane is often powered by a battery or a hand pump.

The lifting mechanism of a hydraulic jib crane has a maximum capacity of one ton when the boom is retracted. It's essential to consider the weight limit when using a hydraulic crane.

A hydraulic jib crane can also be floor mounted with a 360° degree rotation. This allows for more flexibility and maneuverability in tight spaces.

The lifting mechanism of a hydraulic jib crane has a maximum capacity of 500 pounds when the boom is fully extended. Be sure to check the weight limit before lifting any loads.

Hydraulic jib cranes can be powered by an electric hoist or a hand pump, depending on the design of the crane.