Jib cranes are a perfect, as well as, economical way for material handling within a work area or from one work area to another. Often, they are also used to supplement a large overhead crane. Jib cranes are generally fixed to a pillar or on a wall and are equipped with a movable chain hoist, wire ropes, drum and a horizontal jib that rotates to cover a circular area. Jib cranes are quite versatile and can work in tight and confined areas. They are widely used for lifting and lowering different loads with medium weights.
A wide variety of jib cranes in various styles are available, such as entirely self-supporting or wall-mounted, cranes with varying degrees of rotation, and with different beam types.
Your selection of a jib crane depends upon your operation type, facility structure, cost of the unit and installation. The installation needs depend largely on your facility. In the case of a small factory, where you want more free ground space, a wall, column, or bridge-mounted system is the best choice. For someone looking to supplement a larger overhead crane, a bridge-mounted or mast-mounted jib crane is a better option. While, for someone looking for multiple jibs to cover various workstations, a wall-mounted system may work well.
Thus, depending on the needs of your operation, it is important to find a jib crane that matches your individual requirements. The following factors should be considered for choosing the right model for your application.
1. Capacity:
Most importantly, you need to consider the lifting capacity of the jib crane. In most case, the lifting capacity of the crane is more than its weight. You need to ensure that the maximum weight of the application is not more than the rated capacity/design weight. The performance of the crane is affected by the amount of deflection. Therefore, make sure that the manufacturer is using design criteria that allow a minimum amount of deflection.
2. Total Height:
This is the distance to the highest point. Make sure to remove any overhead obstructions to provide full rotation.
3. Height Under Boom (HUB):
The distance from the floor to the underside of the boom will determine the type of hoist to be used for your application.
4. Boom rotation:
Depending on your application, you can choose between several jib cranes with different rotational degrees. The free-standing and mast-type jib cranes can rotate up to 360°, while the wall mounted jib cranes up to 180°.
5. Working Span:
The hook distance or working distance is roughly around one-half of the trolley length from the end of the beam.
6. Power Requirement:
Consider the amount of power needed. Check the power required for rotation, trolley, hoist, and also how it will be supplied.
The installation of jib cranes is another important aspect which cannot be ignored. Different jib cranes have different installation type. In case of the wall mounted jib cranes, steel columns like hollow structural tubing or walls, are needed for installation. The free-standing cranes needs be erected onto a concrete foundation or thick concrete slab, which may cost more than the crane itself. The freestanding jib cranes are ideal for outdoor use and can be fully weatherized. Thus, the jib cranes are perfect lifting machines to increase the workflow by lifting various items quickly and efficiently.