Jib crane design drawings are crucial for various applications, and understanding their specifics can help you create a functional and efficient system.
A jib crane's boom length can range from 10 to 50 feet, depending on the intended use, such as in a warehouse or a manufacturing facility.
The design of a jib crane's hoist can vary, with some featuring a single hoist and others with multiple hoists to increase lifting capacity.
For example, a single hoist can lift up to 2 tons, while a double hoist can lift up to 4 tons.
The height of a jib crane's mast can also vary, typically ranging from 10 to 30 feet to accommodate different ceiling clearances.
In some applications, a jib crane's design may include a trolley to move the hoist along the boom, allowing for more precise and flexible lifting operations.
A jib crane's design drawings should always include a detailed calculation of the crane's lifting capacity, taking into account the weight of the load, the boom length, and the height of the lift.
The design drawings should also specify the type of hoist and its capacity, as well as any safety features such as overload protection.
Explore further: Jib Crane Design
Design Basics
Jib crane design drawings are all about simplicity and functionality. Jib systems have a basic design and construction, requiring less maintenance and fewer parts that could potentially break down or fail.
The main components of a jib crane include the reach/boom, mast/pillar, movable hoist, trolley, rotation, electrification/pneumatic power, and controls. These components work together to provide a reliable and efficient lifting solution.
Here are some key components to consider when designing a jib crane:
- Reach/Boom – the horizontal beam that the trolley travels back and forth on.
- Mast/Pillar – the vertical beam used to support the boom on freestanding and mast systems
- Movable Hoist – the hoist is used to lift, position, and lower a load.
- Trolley – the motion of the trolley can be manual, motorized, or pneumatic.
- Rotation – on freestanding and mast type jib cranes, you can achieve 360° of boom rotation.
Understanding these components and their functions will help you create a jib crane design drawing that meets your needs and provides a safe and efficient lifting solution.
Design
Designing a jib crane is a crucial aspect of ensuring it meets your specific needs. The design of a jib crane can vary depending on the type of crane you're looking to install.
For freestanding and mast systems, the mast or pillar provides support for the boom. This vertical beam can be made of a variety of materials, including galvanized steel to resist corrosion.
The boom, or horizontal beam, is where the trolley travels back and forth. This is where the hoist, wire rope or chain, and hook are carried along the entire length of the boom. The boom can be adjusted to accommodate different lifting heights and clearances.
A jib crane's design can also be influenced by its intended use. For example, a wall-mounted jib crane can provide maximum clearance under and above the arm, making it ideal for workshops with low ceilings. Wall-mounted jib cranes can accommodate spans ranging from 8-30 feet and capacities up to 5 tons.
There are several types of jib crane designs, including freestanding, mast, wall-mounted, and column-mounted. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, freestanding jib cranes offer maximum flexibility and can accommodate large capacities, but they require a special foundation.
Here are some common components found in jib crane designs:
- Reach/Boom: the horizontal beam that the trolley travels back and forth on
- Mast/Pillar: the vertical beam used to support the boom on freestanding and mast systems
- Movable Hoist: the hoist is used to lift, position, and lower a load
- Trolley: the motion of the trolley can be manual, motorized, or pneumatic
- Rotation: the rotation angle can be 360° for freestanding and mast systems, or 180-200° for wall and column-mounted systems
These components can be customized to meet specific needs, such as adding electrification or pneumatic power to the top or bottom of the mast for continuous 360° boom rotation.
Pillar
A pillar jib crane is a type of freestanding jib crane that's commonly used in various settings.
The main designs of pillar jib cranes can be grouped into three types: Base-Plate Mounted, Foundation/Insert Mounted, and Sleeve-Insert Mounted.
Pillar jib cranes can be installed both indoors and outdoors, making them a versatile option for different applications.
The base-plate mounted design is one of the most common and easiest ways to install a free-standing jib crane, where the pillar or mast is bolted to a base plate on a reinforced concrete foundation.
A foundation/insert mounted jib crane design welds a steel plate at the bottom of the pillar or mast, which is anchored during the first-pour concrete footing.
Sleeve-insert mounted jib cranes have a welded steel plate anchored by the first pour concrete footing, and the pillar is inserted into the sleeve during the second pour.
Pillar jib cranes can be used together with overhead crane systems or independently in open air settings.
Discover more: Pillar Jib Crane
The free-standing design of pillar jib cranes makes them suitable for use outdoors at marinas or loading docks, as well as indoors for machining and assembly operations.
Here are the three main types of pillar jib crane designs:
Bracket
When designing a jib crane, the type of bracket used can make a big difference in its functionality and cost-effectiveness. The Gorbel Wall Bracket Jib Crane is an economical option that provides hoist coverage over work cells and against walls.
This design has a low weight boom combined with oil-impregnated bronze thrust washers and bushings that provide for super easy rotation. The wall bracket jib is available in the same exact capacities as the cantilever jib.
The main difference between the wall bracket jib and the cantilever jib is the amount of headroom required. If headroom is not an issue, save the money and go with a wall bracket style jib crane. The wall bracket jib can be used where there is plenty of headroom.
A fresh viewpoint: Cantilever Jib Crane
Here are some key differences between the wall bracket jib and the cantilever jib:
The Gorbel Aluminum Tie Rod Jib Crane is another option that features an aluminum boom, which diminishes the dead weight of the boom by 56% to 68% compared to the traditional I-beam jib crane.
Types of Jib Cranes
There are several types of jib cranes, each with its own unique features and advantages. Mast type jib cranes are a cost-effective alternative to freestanding systems, requiring only 6” of reinforced concrete to support the crane.
Mast type jib cranes can accommodate spans of 10-40’, capacities up to 10 tons, and 360° rotation. They also offer boom heights up to 40’ and can be used for heavy-duty/high-productivity applications.
There are two types of cantilever design options for mast type jib cranes: Full Cantilever and Drop Cantilever. Full Cantilever is used when there are no overhead obstructions, while Drop Cantilever allows for clearance for overhead obstructions located below the top of the mast.
Here's a summary of the main types of jib cranes:
- Mast type jib cranes
- Pillar jib cranes (also known as freestanding jib cranes)
Note that each type of jib crane has its own unique characteristics and requirements, so it's essential to choose the right one for your specific application.
Types of Systems
There are various types of jib crane systems available, each with its own range of capabilities, advantages, and disadvantages.
Mast type jib cranes are a cost-effective alternative to freestanding systems, requiring only 6 inches of reinforced concrete to support the crane. They can accommodate spans of 10-40 feet, capacities up to 10 tons, and 360° rotation.
These cranes can be used for heavy-duty/high-productivity applications, but they do require an overhead beam or support structure to provide additional support.
There are two types of cantilever design options: full cantilever and drop cantilever. Full cantilever cranes have maximum lifting capability and clearance underneath, while drop cantilever cranes allow for clearance for overhead obstructions located below the top of the mast.
Mast type jib cranes are similar to freestanding systems in terms of their capabilities, but they are more cost-effective due to the reduced foundation requirements.
Here are the key features of mast type jib cranes:
- 10-40’ spans
- Capacities up to 10 tons
- 360° rotation
- Boom heights up to 40’
Types of Pillars
There are three main types of pillar jib cranes, each with its own unique installation method.
The Base-Plate Mounted Jib Crane Design is one of the most common and easiest ways to install a free-standing jib crane. The pillar or mast is bolted to a base plate that's fastened to a reinforced concrete foundation.
The Foundation/Insert Mounted Jib Crane Design involves welding a steel plate to the bottom of the pillar or mast, which is anchored during the first-pour concrete footing.
The Sleeve-Insert Mounted Jib Crane Design is another option, where a jib crane sleeve with a welded steel plate is anchored by the first pour of concrete footing, and then the pillar is inserted into the sleeve and welded in place.
Here are the three main types of pillar jib cranes, summarized for easy reference:
Freestanding
Freestanding jib cranes are a popular choice for many industries due to their flexibility and versatility. They can be installed indoors or outdoors, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Freestanding jib cranes can accommodate spans of up to 50 feet and capacities of up to 15 tons. They also offer 360° of rotation, making them ideal for operations that require precise control over the lifting and moving of heavy loads.
There are three main designs for freestanding jib cranes: Base-Plate Mounted, Foundation/Insert Mounted, and Sleeve-Insert Mounted. Each design has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which one to use will depend on the specific needs of the operation.
The Base-Plate Mounted design is the easiest to install and the most popular choice. It involves bolting a base plate onto a reinforced concrete foundation and then reinforcing the mast with gussets.
The Foundation/Insert Mounted design involves anchoring a welded steel plate at the bottom of the mast during the first-pour concrete footing. A second concrete pour then supports the mast, eliminating the need for gussets.
The Sleeve-Insert Mounted design involves welding a sleeve to a steel plate, which is then anchored to a first-pour concrete footing. A second pour supports the sleeve, and the mast is inserted into the sleeve, leveled, and then welded in place.
Here are the key specifications for freestanding jib cranes:
- Spans: up to 50 feet
- Capacities: up to 15 tons
- Rotation: 360°
- Boom heights: up to 40 feet
Foundationless
Foundationless jib cranes are a type of freestanding jib crane that can be installed almost anywhere in a facility as long as the area meets the requirements of the manufacturer.
They're mounted on a slab and bolted to 6″ reinforced concrete for indoor use, eliminating the need for a special poured foundation.
Foundationless jib cranes can be installed faster and can also be easily relocated within a facility, if necessary.
Typically, they can accommodate spans of 9-16′, capacities up to 1,000 lbs, 360° rotation, and boom heights up to 20′.
Their ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and portability make them attractive for certain applications.
However, they do have a much lower capacity than typical freestanding jib cranes with a poured foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to design a jib crane?
To design a jib crane, start by mounting a pivot point to a wall or freestanding column, allowing for 180-360 degree rotation. This pivot point should be securely attached to support the crane's boom and enable a wide arc of operation.
What are the foundation requirements for a jib crane?
For a stable jib crane foundation, a soil pressure of 2500 lbs. per square foot is required, with concrete recommended to withstand 3000 lbs. per square inch of compressive force.
How do you size a jib crane?
To size a jib crane, select the load capacity, choose the HUB (Height Under Boom), and boom length, then verify the dimensions against the specifications below. This ensures a safe and suitable jib crane installation for your needs.
What is the structure of jib crane?
A jib crane consists of a vertical mast, a horizontal boom, and a trolley that travels along the boom to lift and position loads. The structure also includes a movable hoist to facilitate lifting and lowering operations.
Sources
- Spanco® Inc. (spanco.com)
- Gorbel® Inc. (gorbel.com)
- Jib crane designs, jib crane parts & types of jib ... - Dongqi Crane (cranesdq.com)
- Gorbel (gorbel.com)
- What is a Jib Crane? A Look at the Design, Types ... (indef.com)
- 2D DWG jib crane plans and 3D CAD models (papacad.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com