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 transport loads between any areas within the boom's arc of rotation. Light duty units are used within factories and warehouses for loads weighing up to 5 tons. The BestJibCranes.com web site showcases the major jib crane models as being either wall-mounted, mast mounted or free-standing.
Free Standing
Free-standing jib cranes could stand alone not requiring support from the building structure. The horizontal boom in this specific situation is attached to a pivoting vertical column that is anchored solidly to the building floor. This kind of jib crane needs a foundation made of either concrete or steel and can 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 offer 360 degrees of rotation with the benefit of not needing the massive foundation needed for free-standing units.
Wall Mounted
The wall-mounted jib cranes provide a horizontal boom that is connected to the wall of a building as opposed to the normal vertical column. These machinery provide up to 200 degrees of rotation and are ideal in areas where the full 360 degree rotation is not needed.
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 kind supports the boom from below by using a cantilever brace which is connected to the wall as well.