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 web site showcases the major types of jib cranes as being either mast mounted, free-standing or wall-mounted.
Free Standing
Free-standing jib cranes are able to stand alone not requiring support from the building structure. The horizontal boom in this case is attached to a pivoting vertical column that is solidly anchored to the floor of the building. This kind of jib crane requires a foundation made of either steel or concrete and is able to rotate a full 360 degrees.
Mast-Type
The mast-type jib cranes feature a vertical column that 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 advantage of not requiring the massive foundation required for free-standing units.
Wall Mounted
The wall-mounted jib cranes provide a horizontal boom which is connected to the wall of a building as opposed to the typical vertical column. These machinery are ideal in places where the full 360 degree rotation is not needed and offer up to 200 degrees of rotation.
There are two model varieties, depending on how the boom is supported. One of the types uses a tie rod that is attached 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 as well.