Jib Crane Models
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 models are used inside warehouses and factories for loads weighing as much as 5 tons. The BestJibCranes.com web site showcases the major jib crane types as being either wall-mounted, mast mounted or free-standing.
Free Standing
The free-standing jib crane units do not need any support from the building structure and could stand by themselves. The horizontal boom in this situation is connected to a pivoting vertical column which is anchored firmly to the floor of the building. This kind of jib crane needs a foundation made of either concrete or steel and is able to 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 floor of the building and the overhead steel structure. These jib-cranes offer 360 degrees of rotation with the advantage of not needing the massive foundation required for free-standing units.
Wall Mounted
The wall-mounted jib cranes provide a horizontal boom that is connected to the building wall as opposed to the typical vertical column. These machine offer up to 200 degrees of rotation and are ideal in places where the full 360 degree rotation is not required.
Depending on how the boom is supported, there are two model varieties. One type utilizes a tie rod from above the boom that is attached to the wall. The other kind supports the boom from below by using a cantilever brace which is attached to the wall as well.