This article contains information regarding jib cranes, their use, and types.
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A jib crane is a type of lifting equipment featuring an arm or boom that extends from the main structure to increase its reach. Its lattice design helps reduce the additional weight on a load. Jib cranes are well-suited for small workspaces and are ideal for repetitive lifting tasks. They offer remarkable flexibility and versatility, with the capability to lift loads ranging from 250 lbs to 15 tons.
Jib cranes come in various types, each tailored to different lifting needs. Freestanding jib cranes are the most widely used and can be installed in various locations. Their design serves as the basis for other jib crane types, including wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and articulating jib cranes.
The straightforward design of jib cranes makes them suitable for installation in various workspaces. Their versatility and adaptability allow them to be customized for small areas, helping to alleviate the burden of lifting heavy or cumbersome materials. Often, jib cranes are used alongside other equipment to improve overall operational efficiency.
Like all cranes, jib cranes are overhead lifting devices mounted on a horizontal beam, ceiling, column, or wall. They are commonly referred to as both jib cranes and boom cranes. The crane's structure is defined by the jib, which supports the lifting mechanism.
Freestanding jib cranes are the most prevalent type, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They are often used in conjunction with bridge cranes. These cranes can lift loads ranging from a few pounds to several tons and typically offer a 360° rotational capability, depending on their setup.
Key advantages of freestanding jib cranes include their flexible placement options, extensive rotational range, high lifting capacity, and extended reach. There are three main types of freestanding jib cranes: base plate mounted, foundation mounted, and sleeve insert mounted.
A base plate mounted freestanding jib crane is secured to a base plate and supported by a thick layer of concrete with reinforced gussets. This design enables the crane’s boom to extend over overhead obstructions, allowing for flexible hoist placement.
A foundation mounted freestanding jib crane features a welded steel plate at the base of the mast, which is set on an initial layer of concrete. A subsequent layer of concrete offers additional support for the mast, eliminating the need for gussets.
A sleeve insert mounted freestanding jib crane is comparable to the foundation type but includes a sleeve embedded in the first layer of concrete, with a second layer encasing the sleeve. The crane’s mast fits into this sleeve, allowing for easy repositioning without the need to cut or damage the mast.
Unlike standard jib cranes, articulating jib cranes feature both a swivel arm and a boom. These cranes offer smooth rotation and precise responsiveness for positioning loads, enabling them to reach around corners and obstructions. Articulating jib cranes can be mounted in various ways, including wall-mounted, floor-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or integrated into a bridge system.
The two arms of an articulating jib crane can be locked in place and come in three different lengths. The primary arm provides a 200° swivel, while the outer arm offers full 360° rotation, allowing it to extend into machinery and containers. These versatile configurations enable accurate load positioning and effective maneuvering around obstacles.
Wall mounted jib cranes, also known as wall pillar or cantilever jib cranes, are space saving types of jib cranes that do not require floor or foundation space. They can serve as a supplement to a monorail or overhead bridge crane and can be installed close to the underside of the lowest building structure allowing for maximum clearance under and above the boom.
Wall-mounted jib cranes can be folded against the wall when not in use, minimizing interference with production processes. They offer spans from 8 feet to 30 feet and can handle weights of up to five tons.
Wall-mounted jib cranes come in two designs: cantilever and tie rod support.
A cantilever wall-mounted jib crane features two brackets that secure it to the wall, with a boom extending perpendicular to the floor. This design provides maximum clearance thanks to its full cantilever configuration.
Tie rod jib cranes offer a cost-effective solution for hoisting tasks in bays, along walls, columns, and for supporting overhead and monorail cranes. Similar to the cantilever design, a tie rod supported jib crane is mounted to the wall or column using two brackets. The bottom bracket attaches to the boom, which extends perpendicular to the floor, while the second bracket connects to the tie rod support.
Although tie rod supported wall-mounted jib cranes require more space, they provide substantial lifting force. Their design allows for full travel of the hoist along the length of the beam.
Mast type jib cranes are floor-supported and stabilized from the top by the building's beams. Unlike foundation-mounted or base plate-supported jib cranes, mast jib cranes require minimal floor space and do not necessitate modifications to the building's foundation. This makes them a cost-effective lifting solution, similar to tie rod supported jib cranes.
There are two main designs of mast jib cranes: full cantilever and drop cantilever. Full cantilever models utilize the maximum top space of the building, whereas drop cantilever models are fixed at a predetermined height below the ceiling.
Mast jib cranes offer spans ranging from 10 feet to 40 feet, with a lifting capacity of up to ten tons and 360° rotation. The boom height can extend from the floor up to the top of the building.
Portable jib cranes are mounted on a mobile base that can be wheeled or lifted with a forklift, depending on their design. These cranes typically have a capacity of less than half a ton. Their design allows a single person to move large quantities of materials without additional assistance.
The essential aspect of portable jib crane design is maintaining stability without the need for permanent securing. They are constructed with a lightweight core for easy mobility, enabling them to be positioned close to the work area.
A hydraulic jib crane is another version of a portable jib crane with the added feature of a hydraulic cylinder to raise and lower the arm of the crane. The lifting system of a hydraulic jib crane uses a hydraulic cylinder that is attached to the boom of the crane to lift and lower loads. The hydraulic mechanism can be powered by a battery or be a hand pump type depending on the design of the crane.
The lifting mechanism of a hydraulic jib crane has a maximum capacity of one ton when the boom is retracted, and 500 pounds when the boom is fully extended.
Aside from the mobile version, hydraulic lifting cranes can also be floor mounted with a 360° degree rotation. Just like the mobile version, floor mounted hydraulic jib cranes can have an electric hoist or hand pump.
A wall traveling jib crane operates along rails mounted on the walls of a building or a supporting structure. It is designed to maximize the use of building space for moving, lifting, and transporting loads. Wall traveling cranes are specifically built for lateral movement of loads, utilizing the crane's vertical lifting mechanism.
The primary goal of wall traveling jib cranes is to optimize the use of available workspace, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for additional manpower. Their lifting capacity ranges from half a ton to ten tons, and they can be customized to meet specific needs. Like other jib cranes, wall traveling cranes can serve as an additional feature or an accessory to overhead cranes.
Ceiling mounted jib cranes help conserve floor space while offering effective lifting capabilities. They can be either standard single boom jib cranes or articulating types. These cranes can be either stationary or platform-mounted, allowing them to serve multiple workstations. Ceiling mounted jib cranes typically have a lifting capacity of one ton, with spans reaching up to 16 feet and a 360° pivot range.
Workstation jib cranes enhance productivity and ensure worker safety by facilitating the easy manipulation and positioning of workpieces. They also assist in transferring workpieces to different applications. Available in various mounting configurations, workstation jib cranes are designed to meet the specific needs of different tasks.
Most workstation jib cranes are freestanding, with a standard height of 12 feet and a 360° rotation capability. The mounting plates used vary according to the crane's capacity: smaller cranes typically use square mounting plates with gussets, while larger capacity cranes are equipped with hexagonal mounting plates and gussets.
Truck mounted jib cranes are among the most versatile and widely used types of jib cranes. They offer the same functionality as wall or floor mounted jib cranes, but with the added benefit of being easily movable to various locations, regardless of terrain or weather conditions. Constructed from high tensile strength steel, these cranes are bolted to the bed of a truck or trailer and feature a telescoping boom capable of reaching challenging locations such as power lines, rooftops, and light poles.
These cranes are particularly valuable in the construction industry. Mounted on large trucks, they can lift extremely heavy loads, enabling construction crews to efficiently transport and handle bulky materials on-site.
Jib cranes feature a straightforward design, primarily consisting of a beam and boom, with various components added to enhance their functionality and ease of use. Depending on their intended application, jib cranes may include trolleys and electrical controls or be operated using wire ropes, levers, and chains.
The design and construction of jib cranes involve numerous factors, each aimed at improving productivity and ensuring worker safety. While they start with a basic structure, jib cranes are engineered and customized to accommodate a diverse array of lifting applications.
The mast is the vertical beam that supports the components of a jib crane. It is a common feature in most jib cranes, excluding wall-mounted, wall traveling, column-mounted, and ceiling-mounted types. Made from high-strength steel, the mast is securely anchored to the floor or walls of a building. It provides ample clearance to avoid interfering with other processes and can be integrated with overhead cranes or coordinated with other operations.
Jib cranes featuring a mast are usually cantilever types with full 360° rotation. The primary differences among these cranes lie in their attachment methods to the floor or walls, which can be foundational, sleeve, or plate-bolted mountings.
The boom is the primary weight-bearing component of any jib crane. It extends horizontally from the mast, wall, ceiling, or column, and is perpendicular to the floor. The hoist, which is used to lift and move loads, is mounted on the boom. In certain jib crane designs, the boom also serves as a track along which a trolley moves to transport the load.
The hoist is the mechanism attached to the boom of a jib crane that performs the lifting operation. The type of hoist is determined by its lifting medium and power source. There is a wide variety of hoists designed to meet specific application needs, including chain hoists, wire rope hoists, and lever or ratchet hoists. Additionally, hoists can be powered manually, electrically, or pneumatically, depending on the requirements of the operation.
Chain hoists utilize a metal chain for lifting, with the chain passing through sprockets and being stored in a container. Among different hoist types, chain hoists are widely preferred because of their cost-effectiveness and minimal maintenance requirements. They can be powered by manual, electric, or pneumatic means. However, their capacity is limited, making them suitable mainly for lighter lifting tasks.
Wire rope hoists lift loads using a wire rope, which wraps around a grooved drum when in operation. These hoists offer high lifting speeds and can handle loads of 10 tons or more. Known for their quiet operation, wire rope hoists are ideal for demanding and heavy-duty applications with jib cranes.
Manual hoists, which can be either wire rope or chain types, are designed for infrequent lifting tasks where rapid speed is not essential. In these hoists, one chain is used to lift the load, while the other chain is operated by hand to provide manual power. Pulling on the chain rotates gears inside the hoist, causing the lifting chain to move upward. As the load ascends, the chain is collected in a storage basket within the hoist mechanism.
A lever hoist is a type of manual hoist where the operator uses a lever to engage the lifting mechanism, rather than pulling a chain. As the lever is moved up and down, it causes the chain to be wound into a storage basket, similar to how a manual chain hoist operates.
The trolley is a motorized device used to move the hoist horizontally along the boom's top or underside. Trolleys can accommodate both wire rope and chain hoists equipped with hooks. They traverse the full length of the boom and remain stationary while the hoist performs lifting operations. The trolley's power cable management is facilitated by a festoon system, which consists of rollers or holders that support and guide the power cables along the trolley's path.
A festoon system is used to transport cables and power to the trolley along the boom. Various types of festoon systems ensure the safe and controlled management of power cables. These systems can be mounted on C tracks, square rails, or I beams, with I beams being the most common for jib cranes. They safeguard cables from damage and ensure reliable connectivity for jib crane components. Festoon systems are particularly beneficial for jib cranes with long booms and heavy-duty trolleys.
Jib cranes can be powered by either electrical or pneumatic sources, with power or air lines typically positioned at the top of the mast to supply the hoist, trolley, and boom rotation. Push-button controls manage the crane’s movements, including the operation of the hoist and trolley and the boom's rotation.
Crane operators use either a push-button pendant or a wireless control system, depending on the crane’s design. Both control types allow operators to manage the lifting, positioning, and lowering of loads while ensuring they remain safely out of the load's path. These controls are designed to facilitate ease of use and precise handling of the load.
Rotation stops are crucial safety mechanisms designed to prevent a jib crane from colliding with nearby objects or structures. These stops are essential when a crane is positioned near walls or columns. Typically, rotation stops are permanently welded to the crane's mast to restrict its movement. In addition to fixed stops, adjustable rotation stops are available, allowing operators to configure the limits based on the proximity of surrounding equipment.
To safeguard a jib crane’s functionality based on its operating environment, various protective measures may be implemented. These include using galvanized materials to prevent rust, installing enclosures for applications involving explosive materials, and providing shielding to guard against heat, dust, dirt, and moisture.
Jib cranes are designed to streamline and ease repetitive lifting tasks, reducing the reliance on manual labor. Their various models can be tailored to meet diverse lifting and load-bearing needs. Jib cranes stand out as versatile, high-capacity tools with a cost-effective design.
With their capability to handle and precisely position heavy, awkward loads, jib cranes have a broad range of applications. They are commonly used in automotive repair shops for engine handling and on assembly lines for managing large components. Ongoing advancements and refinements in their design continue to enhance their functionality and reliability.
Jib cranes play a crucial role in assembly processes by being stationed at workstations to support assembly tasks and positioned near production lines for effective material handling and transport. They have significantly alleviated worker strain and enhanced productivity. The ease of jib crane operation ensures that materials are readily accessible, allowing for smoother and more efficient workflows.
On production lines where substantial equipment is being assembled, jib cranes facilitate the transfer of components between different assembly stations. Their straightforward operation ensures that these transfers are both swift and seamless.
Cranes have long been integral to shipping operations, facilitating the loading and unloading of ships and trucks. While many of these cranes are large and robust, capable of handling several tons, jib cranes also play a crucial role. They are particularly efficient for tasks such as loading and unloading boats and transporting materials from the dock or onto trucks.
The construction sector frequently faces the challenge of transporting heavy materials to difficult-to-access areas, such as underground foundations or multi-story buildings. Jib cranes are particularly suited for these tasks, allowing for the efficient placement of materials in hard-to-reach spots. By reducing manual labor and saving time, jib cranes significantly boost productivity on construction sites.
Cranes that are commonly found in warehouses and supply storage locations are gantry and overhead cranes that can move the full length of a complex and lift tremendous loads. Heavy duty and strong cranes are necessary in such operations since they improve the efficiency and speed of material handling. In many warehouses, jib cranes are used as supplements and addons for the larger and more robust cranes. They provide the precision and accuracy needed to put materials on trucks or place them on a production line.
When selecting an overhead crane, such as a jib crane, it's crucial to understand the various crane classifications. The crane industry has established these classifications to help customers choose the most suitable, cost-effective, and safe crane for their specific needs. While heavy-duty cranes might seem advantageous, they might not always be the best choice for certain conditions or types of materials.
Crane classifications provide a quick overview of a crane’s capabilities, offering customers a clear understanding of a jib crane’s performance and suitability at a glance.
Class A1 cranes are intended for standby service, handling infrequent lifts with heavy loads at slow speeds and long intervals between cycles. They are ideal for tasks like machinery installation, with a load-bearing lifespan exceeding 1200 hours.
Class A2 cranes are designed for occasional use with light loads, operating at slow speeds with moderate precision. They are rated for a limited number of loads per day, typically about two per hour, and have a service life of over 1200 hours.
Class B cranes, or light service cranes, manage light loads at slow speeds. They handle loads ranging from no load to full capacity, typically performing up to five lifts per hour over a distance of 15 feet. These cranes are built to last over 2000 hours.
Class C cranes, classified as moderate service cranes, offer a service life exceeding 5000 hours, with five to ten lifts per hour and a lifting distance of 15 feet. They are commonly used in environments like repair shops, paper mills, and machine shops.
Class D cranes are known as heavy service or constant use cranes, designed for high-speed operations with more than 20 lifts per hour and a reach of 15 feet. They handle loads at 65% of their capacity and have a lifespan of over 10,000 hours, often used in heavy industries with challenging loads.
Class E cranes are built for extremely heavy-duty applications, capable of making 20 or more high-speed lifts per hour with a service life of up to 20,000 hours. They handle loads approaching their full capacity and are found in mills, production plants, and container handling operations.
Class F cranes are the most robust, performing 20 or more lifts per hour with a service life exceeding 20,000 hours. They operate at or near their maximum capacity with continuous, repetitive use, representing the highest tier of crane performance and durability.
The classification system is a useful tool for determining the most appropriate jib crane for specific operational requirements. The progression from Class A1 to Class F provides a comprehensive view of the operational conditions and performance capabilities, ensuring that the selected crane meets the necessary demands and offers optimal service.
Jib cranes can enhance production efficiency, streamline operations, and boost workplace safety by performing heavy lifting tasks swiftly, reducing the need for manual labor. Constructed from durable materials, they are designed to withstand the rigors of continuous use. Selecting the appropriate jib crane for a specific operation involves understanding both the operational parameters and the characteristics of the crane that best suits those needs.
The duty cycle is a critical factor in choosing a jib crane, as it defines how frequently the crane will be used, along with the types and weights of the loads it will handle. For optimal performance, a jib crane must be designed to match the demands of its duty cycle.
Selecting a jib crane with an inappropriate duty cycle can lead to premature wear and frequent breakdowns, adversely affecting the crane's overall service life.
Jib cranes typically offer a rotation range from 180° to 360°, applicable to freestanding and mast types. The necessary rotation depends on the load movement requirements and the working area available.
The boom height of a jib crane can be adjusted according to the operational needs. It is important to consider the proximity to ceilings, obstructions, and other equipment when determining the boom height.
Factors influencing the height of a jib crane include access to power sources, obstructions, building layout, and operational requirements. Manufacturers collaborate with customers to design and engineer jib cranes that fit specific operational conditions.
The working span of a jib crane is defined by the length of its boom and the travel distance of the trolley. The boom length is influenced by the workspace and any obstructions present.
Jib cranes require either electrical or pneumatic power, which must be readily accessible and properly configured. This aspect needs to be addressed before the installation of the jib crane. Manufacturers often assist with these considerations during the initial evaluation process.
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