What is a jib crane?

Overhead cranes are widely used in the manufacturing industry. They need support from a jib crane to carry out functions efficiently. Jib cranes have two major hoisting winches. In order to lift the weight, they can either be applied individually or together. It astonishingly simplifies and paces up the production process. However simple jib cranes may look, but they are sturdy and can lift capacities from 125 kgs to 15 tons. Jib cranes can fit into any production environment since they are ergonomically designed.  They are essential for enhancing safety, maximizing worker productivity and minimizing workplace injuries. From the variety of jib cranes available in the market, which one is the best for your industry? Every jib crane has different capabilities, advantages and disadvantages. You can discuss your requirements with the jib crane manufacturers. They can guide you about which crane you should opt for.

Freestanding jib cranes:

These widely used jib cranes are perfect for indoor and outdoor use. They increase the efficiency of larger bridge crane systems and individual work cells by providing the right type of support. Even at docks and marinas, they are widely used. Freestanding jib cranes are perfect for indoor assembly operations and machining. Their salient features are:

•         Span up to 25 mtr
•         Up to 15 tons load capacity
•         360° rotation
•        Boom heights (distance from the floor to top overhead support) up to 12 mtr

In terms of mounting and installation, there are three types of freestanding jib cranes.

Base-plate mounted: This is the most popular freestanding jib crane design. These plates are easy to install. A base plate is bolted on top of an unbreakable concrete foundation to protect the mast. After that, the mast is reinforced with gussets.

Foundation/insert mounted: These mounts come with a welded steel plate at the bottom of the mast. During the entire process of the first-pour concrete footing, the steel plate is anchored.

Sleeve-insert mounted: In this mount, a sleeve is welded to a steel plate. During the first-pour in a concrete footing, this mount anchors the sleeve and places it properly. It gets support through the second pour. After that, the mast is placed inside the sleeve. The third step comprises levelling it and welding it in place. If you wish to relocate the jib system without damaging the mast, this is a perfect choice.

Out of all, jib cranes have the maximum load lifting capacity, rotation and longest spans. That is why they are costlier in comparison to other jibs. Since it provides the special foundation required for anchor, protects the crane and supports the load during a lift, it finds a permanent space in several manufacturing units.

Foundationless jib cranes: It is chiefly used for indoor use. They are similar to slab-mounted freestanding jibs and are bolted to 150 mm unbreakable concrete. What makes them attractive is that they can work wonders even without a special poured foundation. If the area is suitable as directed by the jib crane manufacturer, these cranes can be installed at any place in a facility. It is easy to relocate them within the facility. In comparison to other jibs, they can be quickly installed. Have a look at some of their striking features:

•         Spans up to 3-5 mtr
•         Lift load up to 500 kgs
•         360° rotation
•         Boom heights up to 6 mtr
•         Easily portable
•         Easy installation
•         Cost-effective

These features attract manufacturers to choose foundation jib cranes for specific applications.

Mast Type Jib Cranes: These cranes again do not need a special foundation. They can work with 150mm of unbreakable concrete support. An already built overhead support beam or structure can be utilized to provide extra support to these cranes. Below are some features that make mast type jib cranes attractive.

•         Spans up to 3-12 mtr
•         Lift load up to 10 tons
•         360° rotation
•         Boom heights up to 12 mtr

These cranes come with two cantilever design options. However, based on the overhead obstruction types, it may or may not be present.

1. Full Cantilever: When there is no overhead obstruction, you can utilize these cantilevers. In order to use the crane to its maximum lifting capacity and get clearance underneath, all you have to do is to mount the boom to the top of the mast.
2. Drop Cantilever: If there are overhead obstructions, then drop cantilever is the best option. It comes with side-plate connections which enable the boom to be drop mounted at a height the operator desires. By the time, the obstruction situated below the top of the mast can be cleared.

Wall-mounted jib cranes:  When support columns or structurally appropriate walls are available, these jib cranes can be utilized in individual bays. If there is an already built monorail or overhead bridge crane, these cranes can also function as a supplement.

There are two ways these jib cranes can be structured to mount a wall or building support system.

Cantilever: They assure maximum clearance above and below the boom. Jib cranes with wall-mounted cantilever provide the full-cantilever layout.

Tie-rod supported: If you are looking for a cost-friendly way for hoist coverage along building columns or walls, this is the best option you can get. It comes with a single tie-rod and a wall bracket to support the boom which ensures that the hoist gets full movement down the length of the beam.

These cranes save a lot of space and that is why preferred by many manufacturers. They can work without floor or foundation support. It provides utmost clearance under and above the boom since it can be installed close to the bottom of the lowest ceiling obstruction. To ensure that the production process remains undisrupted, these cranes are designed in a way that their layouts can swing around the objects, under any overhead crane. If required, they can fold out to clear the way for overhead cranes. Let’s glance at their salient features:

•         Spans up to 2-9 mtr
•         Lift load up to 5 tons
•         180°-200° rotation

The only drawback of these jib systems is that they do not allow 360° movement. For withstanding the loads, they require a column or support. Therefore, if you are willing to install wall-mounted jib cranes in your facility, you will require a structural engineering survey and approval before the installation.

Articulating jib cranes: What sets these jib cranes apart from traditional jib cranes with one boom are two swivel arms that can lift loads around the corners and columns. They can easily reach under or into machinery or containers. It has an elementary boom arm which enables it for 200° swivel. Along with providing a movement closer to the mast or column, they provide a maximum coverage area. Articulating jib cranes can either be wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, floor-mounted on a track system or bridge. These jibs come to the rescue in a situation where traditional jibs are unable to place load accurately or mark load around obstructions since they can rotate close to the mast, open doors or building columns. Some of the features of these cranes are:

•         Spans up to 5 mtr
•         Lift load capacity up to 1 ton
•         360° rotation for both freestanding and ceiling-mounted systems
•         For wall-mounted system a special provision for 180° inner arm and 360° outer arm

This crane is not suitable for heavier duty and frequent lifts. It is not designed to lift greater load and their span too is limited.

 It is always wise to state requirements to the jib crane manufacturers before purchasing the jib crane. With their experience and insights, they will be able to guide you which one is the best for you.

The post Which is the Most Suitable Jib Crane for Your Facility? Find Out appeared first on HoistsandCrane.