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 are able to move loads between any areas within the boom's arc of rotation. Light duty units are utilized inside warehouses and factories for loads weighing as much as 5 tons. The website BestJibCranes.com showcases the major jib crane types as being either free-standing, wall-mounted or mast mounted.
Free Standing
Free-standing jib cranes could stand alone not needing support from the building structure. The horizontal boom in this situation is connected to a pivoting vertical column which is firmly anchored to the building floor. This type 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 bottom and the top which are connected to the floor of the building 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 attached to the wall of the building rather than supporting a regular vertical column. These cranes provide a horizontal boom. These machinery provide up to 200 degrees of rotation and are ideal in areas where the full 360 degree rotation is not required.
Depending on how the boom is supported, there are two model varieties. One type uses a tie rod from above the boom that is attached to the wall. The other kind supports the boom from below by using a cantilever brace that is also attached to the wall.