Types of Jib Cranes
Jib cranes are made up of a trolley hoist on a horizontal load-bearing boom. This boom is attached to a pivoting vertical member and up to 20 feet long. Jib cranes can transport loads between any areas within the boom's arc of rotation. Light duty models are utilized within factories and warehouses for loads weighing as much as 5 tons. The BestJibCranes.com website features the major jib crane types as being either free-standing, wall-mounted or mast mounted.
Free Standing
The free-standing jib crane units do not need any support from the building structure and are able to stand by themselves. The horizontal boom in this particular situation is attached to a pivoting vertical column which is anchored firmly to the floor of the building. This kind of jib crane is able to rotate a full 360 degrees and needs a foundation made of either concrete or steel.
Mast-Type
The mast-type jib cranes feature a vertical column which is supported by pivot points at the top and the bottom that are connected to the building floor and the overhead steel structure. These jib-cranes offer 360 degrees of rotation with the benefit of not needing the massive foundation needed for free-standing units.
Wall Mounted
Wall mounted jib cranes are connected to the building wall rather than supporting a regular vertical column. These cranes provide a horizontal boom. These machine provide up to 200 degrees of rotation and are ideal in places where the full 360 degree rotation is not needed.
Depending on how the boom is supported, there are two model varieties. One type utilizes a tie rod from above the boom that is connected to the wall. The other type supports the boom from below by utilizing a cantilever brace that is also attached to the wall.