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 could move loads between any areas within the boom's arc of rotation. Light duty models are utilized inside warehouses and factories for loads weighing as much as 5 tons. The web site BestJibCranes.com showcases the major jib crane types as being either mast mounted, free-standing or wall-mounted.
Free Standing
Free-standing jib cranes are able to stand alone not needing support from the building structure. The horizontal boom in this particular situation is connected to a pivoting vertical column which is firmly anchored to the building floor. This type of jib crane needs a foundation made of either concrete or steel and is able to rotate a full 360 degrees.
Mast-Type
The vertical column on the mast-type jib cranes are supported by pivot points at the bottom and the top. These pivots are connected to the building floor 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 provide a horizontal boom which is connected to the wall of a building as opposed to the typical vertical column. These machine offer up to 200 degrees of rotation and are great in areas where the full 360 degree rotation is not required.
There are two model varieties, depending on how the boom is supported. One of the types uses a tie rod which is connected from above the wall to the boom. The other variety supports the boom from below by utilizing a cantilever brace which is also attached to the wall.