Types of Jib Cranes
Jib cranes are made up of a trolley hoist on a horizontal load-bearing boom. This boom is connected 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 within warehouses and factories for loads weighing up to 5 tons. The BestJibCranes.com website showcases the major types of jib cranes as being either mast mounted, free-standing or wall-mounted.
Free Standing
Free-standing jib cranes could stand alone not needing support from the building structure. The horizontal boom in this specific case is connected to a pivoting vertical column that is anchored solidly to the floor of the building. This type of jib crane is able to rotate a full 360 degrees and needs a foundation made of either steel or concrete.
Mast-Type
The vertical column on the mast-type jib cranes are supported by pivot points at the top and the bottom. These pivots are connected to the building floor and the overhead steel structure. These jib-cranes provide 360 degrees of rotation with the advantage of not requiring the massive foundation needed for free-standing units.
Wall Mounted
Wall mounted jib cranes are attached to the building wall instead of supporting a normal vertical column. These cranes provide a horizontal boom. These machinery offer up to 200 degrees of rotation and are great in places where the full 360 degree rotation is not needed.
There are two model varieties, depending on how the boom is supported. One of the types uses a tie rod which is connected from above the wall to the boom. The other type supports the boom from below by using a cantilever brace which is also attached to the wall.