Jib Crane Types, Capacity, Applications & Selection Guide

A jib crane is usually composed of a column, a slewing boom, a slewing mechanism, and a hoisting device. By rotating the slewing boom horizontally, the jib crane can handle the transport and stacking of goods within a specified radius.

Unlike conventional overhead or gantry cranes, the jib crane is primarily designed for repetitive handling tasks within a fixed work area.Consequently, the jib crane is most commonly found in the following applications:

Material cutting on CNC machines

Workpiece assembly stations

Welding workstations

Equipment maintenance areas

Auxiliary material handling in production lines

Transportation of small components

It is precisely due to these characteristics that the jib crane has gained widespread popularity among users across many industries.

Jib cranes are classified into many types depending on the installation location and method. Below is a detailed introduction.

1.1 Floor-mounted Jib Crane

The floor-mounted jib crane is fixed and installed on a ground foundation, featuring good stability. It is suitable for production areas where long-term fixed use is required. It is often used in mechanical processing workshops, for the transportation of heavy parts, or as a fixed lifting point on production lines.

Depending on your specific production scenarios and requirements, we can offer you products with different load capacities, different working radii, and different slewing angles.

1.2 Wall-mounted Jib Crane

Wall-mounted jib cranes are generally installed on the columns or wall supports of building structures, which reduces the occupation of ground space.

Wall-mounted jib cranes are typically used in factories with limited floor space, near equipment for handling operations, or in production environments with existing building structures. However, unlike floor-mounted jib cranes, when installed on a wall, special attention must be paid to the load-bearing capacity of the installation site to prevent the risk of falling.

1.3 Portable Jib Crane

Compared with the previous two types of fixed jib cranes, the portable type offers greater flexibility and can be moved between different work areas according to production needs. However, when selecting a portable jib crane, the following factors need to be given special consideration: maximum load capacity, ground bearing capacity, mobility stability, and frequency of use.

Many users, when purchasing jib cranes, focus only on the maximum lifting capacity, which is not sufficient. They also need to pay attention to the following points:

3.1 Maximum Lifting Weight

First, determine the maximum weight that needs to be handled in daily operations. It is recommended to base the selection on actual usage requirements, while also considering occasional extreme weight scenarios in the choice.

3.2 Working Frequency

Different usage frequencies correspond to different equipment requirements: For occasional maintenance use, a standard configuration will suffice. However, if there are multiple lifts per hour, a higher duty cycle design is required, because frequent operation will affect the service life of the equipment components. Therefore, an assessment must be made in advance.

3.3 Load Characteristics

In addition to the two numerical factors mentioned above, the following aspects also need to be considered:

Is the load prone to swinging?

Is precise positioning required?

Is it a non-standard shaped workpiece?

Does it require frequent slewing operations?

By taking these points into account, a reasonable selection can be made, and the optimal jib crane selection solution can be recommended for you.

Different industrial environments will affect the material selection and protection requirements for jib cranes.

If the equipment is installed outdoors, factors such as rain protection, anti-corrosion treatment, and electrical enclosure rating need to be considered to ensure the stable operation of the equipment.

Furthermore, high or low temperature environments may affect the performance of the motor, electrical components, and lubrication system. Therefore, users should inform the manufacturer of the actual working environment in advance. For dusty environments, environments with corrosive substances, or humid environments (such as chemical plants, foundry workshops, etc.), the jib crane may need to adopt special coatings or protective designs to enhance the reliability and service life of the equipment.

Although the jib crane structure is relatively simple, safe operation and regular maintenance remain crucial factors for extending the product's service life.

Daily operations should be carried out with the following precautions:

Prohibit operation beyond the rated lifting capacity.

Avoid slinging and lateral dragging of materials.

Regularly inspect the hook, wire rope, or chain.

Keep the working area clear.

Follow the manufacturer's requirements for maintenance.

Regular maintenance items include:

Check fasteners

Lubricate moving parts

Inspect the braking system

Test electrical components