A jib crane can help busy teams stay on top of production quotas or smooth out complex logistical challenges during construction. In addition, jib cranes enable teams to perform repetitive lifting in a small working area.
A jib crane can be used alongside an overhead bridge crane or alone. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about jib crane parts!
Types of Cranes
There are many different types of cranes, and each type has various advantages, disadvantages and serves a variety of ideal functions. Here are some examples.
Freestanding Jib Cranes
A freestanding jib crane is the most typical type of jib system. You can install one anywhere. Usually, they support 360° of rotation and boom heights up to 40’. They typically have a capacity that ranges up to 15 tonnes.
They can be base-plate mounted, foundation or insert mounted, or sleeve-insert mounted. Freestanding jib cranes provide teams with the highest weight capacities, most durability, and most rotation.
The main drawback of this crane style is the cost, as they can be the most expensive and are complex to anchor to one of the foundation systems mentioned above.
Foundationless Jib Cranes
Foundationless jib cranes are slab-mounted. They are bolted to 6” reinforced concrete for indoor use. As a result, they are less expensive because they don’t require any special, poured concrete foundation installation and can be installed almost anywhere.
That also makes them easier to relocate if you want to move them.
Usually, they support 360° of rotation and boom heights up to 20’. In addition, they typically have a capacity that ranges up to 1,000 lbs.
Their main drawback is they have a much lower weight capacity than freestanding jib cranes due to their differing foundation style.
Mast Type Jib Cranes
Mast-type jib cranes are more inexpensive because they only require 6” of concrete to support them. In addition, they have extra support from an overhead support beam or other complementary structures.
Usually, they support 360° of rotation and boom heights up to 40’. They typically have a capacity that ranges up to 10 tonnes.
There are two styles of mast-type jib cranes called full cantilever and drop cantilever. Each has relative pros and cons, with the full cantilever mast-type jib crane providing the most lifting capacity and clearance.
Wall-Mounted Jib Cranes
Wall-mounted jib cranes use existing walls or building support columns as their foundational anchor. As a result, they don’t require additional foundation support and can even use the underside of a ceiling as a mount.
They swing around obstacles, under obstructions, and can even fold out of the way which is very convenient. Usually, they support 180° to 200° of rotation and boom heights up to 30’. They typically have a capacity that ranges up to 5 tonnes.
Articulating Jib Cranes
Articulating jib cranes are different from the other cranes in this list because they have two swivel arms that can lift loads around corners and columns instead of just one boom. They can also reach into or under machinery and containers.
There is a range of mounting and foundation styles for this type of crane. Usually, they support up to 200° of swivel and 360° of rotation and boom heights up to 30’. They typically have a capacity that ranges up to 1 tonne.
Their biggest disadvantage is that they cannot bear heavy loads or repetitive work as well as the other crane styles.
Overhead Crane Parts
If you look at a crane parts diagram, you should see all the jib crane components and terms, including reach/boom, mast/pillar, movable electric hoist, trolley, rotation, controls, hook height, rotation stops, and more.
Crane Inspection Essentials
All cranes are regulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) 1910.179 standard and should be inspected regularly. For the full checklist, take a look at the OSHA website. It’s vital to comply with these standards to avoid fines and ensure safety.
Jib Crane Parts
If you want to learn more about jib crane parts for the respective types of jib cranes, we can help.
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