Kinds 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 utilized inside warehouses and factories for loads weighing up to 5 tons. The web site BestJibCranes.com features the major jib crane models as being either mast mounted, free-standing or wall-mounted.
Free Standing
Free-standing jib cranes can stand alone not needing support from the building structure. The horizontal boom in this case is attached to a pivoting vertical column that is anchored firmly to the building floor. This kind of jib crane requires a foundation made of either steel or concrete 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 attached to the floor of the building and the overhead steel structure. These jib-cranes offer 360 degrees of rotation with the benefit of not needing the massive foundation needed for free-standing units.
Wall Mounted
Wall mounted jib cranes are connected to the wall of the building rather than supporting a typical vertical column. These cranes provide a horizontal boom. These machine offer up to 200 degrees of rotation and are ideal in places where the full 360 degree rotation is not required.
Depending on how the boom is supported, there are two model varieties. One kind utilizes a tie rod from above the boom which is attached to the wall. The other type supports the boom from below by utilizing a cantilever brace that is also connected to the wall.