Jib Crane Types
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 can transport loads between any areas within the boom's arc of rotation. Light duty models are used in warehouses and factories for loads weighing as much as 5 tons. The web site BestJibCranes.com features the major jib crane models as being either mast mounted, free-standing or wall-mounted.
Free Standing
The free-standing jib crane units do not require any support from the building structure and could stand by themselves. The horizontal boom in this particular case is attached to a pivoting vertical column which is anchored firmly to the building floor. This type of jib crane could 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 bottom and the top. These pivots are attached to the building floor and the overhead steel structure. These jib-cranes provide 360 degrees of rotation with the advantage 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 instead of supporting a typical 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 required.
There are two model varieties, depending on how the boom is supported. One of the types utilizes a tie rod which is connected from above the wall to the boom. The other kind supports the boom from below by utilizing a cantilever brace that is connected to the wall also.