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 move loads between any areas within the boom's arc of rotation. Light duty models are utilized in factories and warehouses for loads weighing up to 5 tons. The website BestJibCranes.com showcases the major jib crane models 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 could stand by themselves. The horizontal boom in this particular case is connected to a pivoting vertical column that is anchored firmly 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 which is supported by pivot points at the bottom and the top that are attached to the floor of the building 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
The wall-mounted jib cranes offer a horizontal boom which is attached to the building wall rather than the normal vertical column. These machine are ideal in areas 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 kinds utilizes a tie rod that is attached from above the wall to the boom. The other type supports the boom from below by utilizing a cantilever brace that is also attached to the wall.