Types of Jib Cranes
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 are able to move loads between any areas within the boom's arc of rotation. Light duty models are used inside warehouses and factories for loads weighing as much as 5 tons. The website BestJibCranes.com showcases the major types of jib cranes as being either mast mounted, free-standing or wall-mounted.
Free Standing
The free-standing jib crane units do not require any support from the building structure and can stand by themselves. The horizontal boom in this specific situation is connected to a pivoting vertical column that is anchored solidly to the floor of the building. This type of jib crane requires a foundation made of either concrete or steel and is able to rotate a full 360 degrees.
Mast-Type
The mast-type jib cranes feature a vertical column that is supported by pivot points at the top and the bottom that are connected to the building floor and the overhead steel structure. These jib-cranes provide 360 degrees of rotation with the benefit of not requiring the massive foundation needed for free-standing units.
Wall Mounted
The wall-mounted jib cranes provide a horizontal boom that is attached to the wall of a building as opposed to the typical vertical column. These machine provide up to 200 degrees of rotation and are great in areas where the full 360 degree rotation is not needed.
There are two model varieties, depending on how the boom is supported. One of the kinds utilizes a tie rod that is connected from above the wall to the boom. The other variety supports the boom from below by utilizing a cantilever brace that is connected to the wall too.