Jib cranes are very efficient lifting machines, especially for the construction sites, industrial facilities or for places where lighter lifting is needed. In fact, the jib crane is a type of crane composed of a rotating boom, a vertical mast and an electrically or pneumatically operated hoist. The jib cranes can be either mounted on a wall or on the floor, and today they play a vital role in many industrial facilities that have no space for overhead cranes.

Compact and efficient, the jib cranes increase the work-flow production significantly, and also improve the material handling process. In order to get all the advantages of the jib cranes, you need to choose the right one which is not an easy task. To choose the right jib crane for your application, you need to consider the following.

Capacity – All jib cranes have a maximum capacity, so you need to match the weight of the load to the capacity. The maximum weight of the load should not be the same as the maximum capacity of the jib crane. When counting the capacity rating of your jib crane, you should also account for additional 15 percent for the weight of the hoist and trolley, additional 15 percent for the deflection of the hoist and trolley and additional 25 percent capacity allowance for impact.

Types Of Jib Cranes – There are three main jib crane types: wall-mounted jib cranes, wall traveling jib cranes and floor-mounted jib cranes. Your choice should depend on your application. For example, if you need a lifting machine for tough applications, the floor-mounted jib cranes are the most efficient and most capable for handling such applications. Or if you need a jib crane that is able to reach any corner in your industrial facility, the wall-mounted jib cranes are the obvious choice.

Degree Of Rotation – The jib cranes have different degrees of rotation. The wall-mounted jib cranes provide a rotation of 180 degrees, while the floor-mounted jib cranes provide a rotation of fully 360 degrees.

Crane Height – The crane height is also an important consideration. It includes the overall height of the crane, including all the attachments. There are some areas that cannot fit a specific type of jib crane, so before buying one, the crane height must be considered.

Installation – The location where you want the jib crane to be installed dictates the type of a jib crane you need to purchase. Some jib cranes require concrete foundations, which usually cost more than the jib crane itself.