A jib crane is probably one of the most efficient pieces of lifting equipment you’ll see in any production environment. It has several applications in various industries including transport, manufacturing, mining, construction, as well as any section where heavy loads are moved on a regular basis. Jib crane systems function as a cost-effective solution that increases worker productivity, improves workplace safety and reduces injury.
There are various types of jib crane systems with different characteristics depending on your operation needs. Some of the most common jib crane systems include wall-mounted, floor-mounted, mast type, and articulating jib cranes. Each of these jib crane systems has varying degrees of rotation and differ in purpose, beam type, mounting style, as well as dimensions.
Features of a Jib Crane System
As mentioned above, various jib cranes possess different characteristics. However, some general attributes characterize these indispensable load-lifting machines. These include:
- Rotation: All jib crane systems can rotate. Some jib cranes can provide up to 360° of rotation. Typically, floor-mounted and mast type jib cranes deliver 360 ° of boom rotation, while wall mounted jib cranes offer 180-200° of rotation. Articulating jib cranes, for instance, feature an inner arm and outer arm, which give them exceptional lift flexibility. The outer arm of a wall-mounted articulating jib crane provides 360° of rotation, while the inner arm offers 200° of rotation. Floor-mounted and ceiling mounted articulating jib systems provide 360° of rotation on both the inner and outer arm. Such maximum coverage makes them perfect for any application.
- Load capacity: Load capacity is one of the features of jib cranes that users are often most concerned with. This is because of the higher the load capacity, the better the performance of the system. Heavyweight systems usually have capacities of up to 15 tons.
- Material: Jib cranes are made from steel. The type of steel used in making any jib crane depends on your specific needs or the production environment they will be used in.
- Installation: Jib cranes can mount onto floors, ceilings, walls, or even existing bridge cranes.
- Working Span: A jib crane system working span refers to the distance from the floor to the bottom of its boom. Jib cranes span up to 50 foot or more.