This article contains information regarding jib cranes, their use, and types.
You will learn more about topics such as:
A jib crane is a category of lifting machinery characterized by an arm, or boom, that protrudes from the primary structure to enhance its reach. The lattice framework effectively minimizes added weight on the load. These cranes are perfect for smaller work environments and excel in repetitive lifting operations. They provide exceptional adaptability and versatility, capable of handling loads from as light as 250 lbs to as heavy as 15 tons.
Jib cranes are available in several different configurations, each designed to fulfill specific lifting requirements. The freestanding jib cranes are the most popular, offering flexible installation options in diverse settings. This design serves as the foundation for other variants, such as wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and articulating jib cranes.
The straightforward and robust design of jib cranes makes them ideal for installation in a wide range of industrial workspaces, manufacturing plants, shipping facilities, and warehouses. Their remarkable versatility and adaptability allow jib cranes to be customized for confined spaces, helping to alleviate the challenges associated with lifting, handling, and transporting heavy or awkward materials. Jib cranes are frequently used in conjunction with other types of overhead lifting equipment, such as gantry cranes, bridge cranes, or monorail systems, to maximize operational efficiency, flexibility, and material flow within a facility.
Like all material handling cranes, jib cranes are overhead lifting devices mounted on a horizontal beam, ceiling, column, or wall. They are commonly referred to as both jib cranes and boom cranes in the crane industry. The defining structure of the jib crane is the ‘jib� or arm, which supports the lifting mechanism—usually an electric or manual hoist, chain hoist, or wire rope hoist—enabling the precise movement of loads within the crane’s working radius.
Freestanding jib cranes are the most prevalent and versatile type, ideally suited for both indoor and outdoor applications. These industrial cranes can operate independently or in conjunction with overhead bridge cranes, monorails, or workstation cranes. Freestanding jib cranes can lift capacities ranging from a few pounds to several tons and commonly offer a full 360° rotational capability, greatly expanding their workstation coverage and application range.
Key advantages of freestanding jib cranes include flexible placement, substantial span, complete rotation, high load capacity, and the ability to serve as supplemental lifting solutions for production lines, assembly areas, and shipping docks. There are three main mounting configurations: base plate mounted, foundation mounted, and sleeve insert mounted. Selecting the ideal setup is based on load requirements, floor space, and existing building structure.
A base plate mounted freestanding jib crane is anchored to a base plate which is fastened to a reinforced concrete foundation with anchor bolts and supported by heavy-duty gussets for extra stability. This design permits the crane’s boom to extend over obstacles or existing machinery, and offers easy installation for retrofit or new construction projects. The base plate design is a popular choice for facilities needing versatile hoist placement and straightforward relocation options.
A foundation mounted freestanding jib crane features a welded steel plate and a supporting mast embedded directly in a concrete foundation. This anchor system provides outstanding stability and durability, even under frequent and heavy-duty lifting operations. By eliminating gussets, foundation-mounted jib cranes are optimized for higher lifting capacities and rigorously demanding manufacturing or logistics environments.
A sleeve insert mounted freestanding jib crane includes a steel sleeve installed in the initial layer of concrete, permitting the mast to be easily installed or replaced without demolition. With a second concrete layer encasing the sleeve, this design offers unique flexibility for expansion or facility reconfiguration, making sleeve insert mounting a popular choice for agile manufacturing and adaptable warehouse layouts.
Articulating jib cranes differentiate themselves from traditional straight-boom jib cranes by featuring both a pivoting boom and an articulating arm, which is connected by a rotating knuckle. This innovative design allows for superior maneuverability, enabling precise positioning and smooth material handling around corners, through doorways, or into tight spaces where standard cranes would be limited. Articulating jib cranes can be mounted in several ways, including wall mount, floor mount, ceiling mount, or integration with bridge crane systems, allowing seamless workflow across complex production environments.
The dual-arm design of articulating jib cranes provides enhanced operational control: the main arm offers a 200° swivel, while the outer arm delivers a full 360° rotation—making it possible to reach into machinery, storage racks, or containers with ease. Typical uses include assembly lines, workstations requiring repetitive lifting, and environments with numerous physical obstructions or high-precision placement demands.
Wall mounted jib cranes—also known as wall pillar, cantilever wall jib cranes, or wall bracket jib cranes—are engineered for maximum space efficiency. They do not require any floor or foundation space, freeing up critical workspace and allowing unimpeded traffic flow. Often installed as a supplement to a monorail crane or overhead bridge crane, wall mounted jib cranes are fitted close to the underside of the building’s lowest structural member, maximizing headroom clearance above and below the jib boom for taller loads.
These compact and highly adaptable lifting devices can be swung against the wall when idle, minimizing interference with production processes or equipment access. Offering boom lengths (span) from 8 to 30 feet and load capacities up to five tons, wall-mounted jib cranes are popular for fabrication shops, maintenance bays, and other restricted workspaces.
Wall-mounted jib cranes are available in two principal designs: cantilever and tie rod supported configurations.
The cantilever wall-mounted jib crane features a rigid boom supported directly by two mounting brackets on the wall or column. With the boom projecting perpendicular to the support surface, the full cantilever design maximizes vertical clearance, making it ideal for tasks requiring unhindered lifting close to ceilings or mezzanines. The robust construction ensures reliable load support and minimal deflection.
Tie rod jib cranes provide an economical and practical solution for hoisting applications along bays, walls, or columns, and as specialized supports for overhead and monorail crane systems. A tie rod-supported wall-mounted jib crane is fixed using two brackets: the lower bracket attaches to the boom and the upper bracket connects to the tie rod, distributing the load and allowing for a lighter, more cost-effective beam. Despite requiring slightly more headroom, tie rod supported cranes offer extended span and allow the hoist to traverse the full length of the boom, supporting loads throughout the beam’s travel.
Mast type jib cranes are floor-supported cranes that derive additional stability from being tied off to the building’s top beams or trusses. Unlike foundation-mounted or base plate-supported jib cranes, mast jib cranes require minimal disruption to existing floors—often with no need for a special concrete foundation. This design makes mast jib cranes a highly cost-effective and quick-to-implement lifting solution for industrial facilities dealing with heavy and frequent loads.
Available in two main configurations—full cantilever and drop cantilever—mast jib cranes optimize either maximum headroom (full cantilever) or position the boom at a specified lower elevation (drop cantilever) based on process needs. These cranes offer a span range from 10 feet up to 40 feet, lifting capacities as high as ten tons, and a full 360° rotation, making them suitable for high-throughput material handling tasks in manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping.
With robust mast construction and adaptable mounting, mast jib cranes support production flexibility and long service life, even in demanding heavy-duty settings.
Portable jib cranes are engineered for maximum mobility, offering a unique advantage for operations requiring on-demand lifting capabilities at multiple locations within a facility. These lightweight and mobile cranes are mounted on a moveable base—typically fitted with caster wheels or designed to be relocated by forklift—enabling a single operator to safely transfer heavy materials, components, or parts without permanent installation.
Usually rated for lighter lifting applications, portable jib cranes manage loads of up to half a ton while emphasizing ease of movement and positioning. Their compact footprint and flexible core construction make them ideal for maintenance shops, machine assembly, and production tasks that demand frequent setup changes or temporary lifting solutions. Safety features such as locking wheels, stabilizing outriggers, or counterweights are commonly integrated to ensure load stability and operator safety while in transit or operation.
A hydraulic jib crane is a specialized type of portable jib crane equipped with a reliable hydraulic cylinder to raise and lower the jib boom efficiently and smoothly. The hydraulic lifting system may be powered by battery or manual hand pump, allowing precise control when maneuvering heavy loads. This enhanced lifting mechanism offers more consistent performance compared to manual cranes, and is commonly used for automotive repair, small-scale manufacturing, or any application where variable lifting heights and reduced operator effort are important.
Hydraulic jib cranes can handle up to one ton when the boom is retracted, and up to 500 pounds when fully extended. In addition to the mobile floor-mounted variant, hydraulic jib cranes are also available in stationary configurations with a 360° degree rotational range. These cranes can be paired with an electric hoist or hand pump system for material handling versatility and ergonomic operation.
A wall traveling jib crane is designed to move along horizontally mounted rails or tracks fixed to the walls or building supports, optimizing floor space and streamlining lateral load movement within restricted work areas. Wall traveling jib cranes are prominently used in machine shops, assembly lines, maintenance areas, and warehouses where maximizing the handling envelope and minimizing production interruptions are key objectives.
With load capacities ranging from 0.5 to 10 tons and customizable spans, wall traveling jib cranes deliver precise vertical and horizontal movement. Their ability to work in tandem with other cranes or serve as auxiliary lifting equipment enhances overall plant productivity, material flow, and safety. As a flexible lifting solution, wall traveling jib cranes can be engineered to fit specialized work cycles and non-standard building layouts.
Ceiling mounted jib cranes solve space-constraint issues by offering high-capacity lifting without occupying valuable floor space. Suitable for busy production floors, assembly stations, or high-density storage environments, these cranes can be installed as standard straight-boom models or articulating types for enhanced maneuverability. Ceiling mounted jib cranes are available with either fixed or rotating mounts, giving plant managers flexibility in how loads are moved between workstations or process cells.
Typically rated for loads up to one ton and spans to 16 feet, ceiling mounted jib cranes are purpose-built for applications demanding broad coverage without the need for obstructive floor supports. Their 360° pivoting range allows for versatile operation in tight or irregularly shaped facilities, contributing to safer, more efficient, and more productive material handling processes.
Workstation jib cranes are tailored for repetitive, small-scale lifting operations and are essential for boosting productivity and ensuring operator safety in environments such as assembly lines, packaging facilities, or repair shops. These ergonomic cranes facilitate fast, precise, and effortless manipulation of workpieces, components, or subassemblies, and can easily transfer loads between adjacent workstations or process areas.
Most workstation jib cranes are freestanding, with standard heights of around 12 feet and offering full 360° rotation. Mounting plates differ depending on required lifting capacity: smaller models use square plates with gussets for stability, while heavy-duty versions incorporate hexagonal plates for increased strength. Workstation jib cranes support varied load requirements, promote lean workflow, and are easily customized with different hoist options or below-the-hook attachments for specialized tasks.
Truck mounted jib cranes are among the industry’s most versatile and mobile lifting solutions, widely used for construction, utility service, roadside recovery, and heavy equipment maintenance. These cranes are built from high tensile strength steel and are securely bolted to the bed of a truck or trailer, transforming a standard vehicle into a mobile lifting platform for off-site or remote work environments.
Featuring a telescoping boom, truck mounted jib cranes can extend to reach hard-to-access locations such as power poles, rooftops, or construction sites. In the construction sector, these cranes increase on-site efficiency by enabling fast loading, unloading, or placement of heavy building materials, tools, or prefabricated components. Their design ensures optimal safety, stability, and performance even under challenging weather or terrain conditions.
Jib cranes feature a straightforward design, primarily consisting of a beam and boom, with various components added to enhance their functionality and ease of use. Depending on their intended application, jib cranes may include trolleys and electrical controls or be operated using wire ropes, levers, and chains.
The design and construction of jib cranes involve numerous factors, each aimed at improving productivity and ensuring worker safety. While they start with a basic structure, jib cranes are engineered and customized to accommodate a diverse array of lifting applications.
The mast is the vertical beam that supports the components of a jib crane. It is a common feature in most jib cranes, excluding wall-mounted, wall traveling, column-mounted, and ceiling-mounted types. Made from high-strength steel, the mast is securely anchored to the floor or walls of a building. It provides ample clearance to avoid interfering with other processes and can be integrated with overhead cranes or coordinated with other operations.
Jib cranes featuring a mast are usually cantilever types with full 360° rotation. The primary differences among these cranes lie in their attachment methods to the floor or walls, which can be foundational, sleeve, or plate-bolted mountings.
The boom is the primary weight-bearing component of any jib crane. It extends horizontally from the mast, wall, ceiling, or column, and is perpendicular to the floor. The hoist, which is used to lift and move loads, is mounted on the boom. In certain jib crane designs, the boom also serves as a track along which a trolley moves to transport the load.
The hoist is the mechanism attached to the boom of a jib crane that performs the lifting operation. The type of hoist is determined by its lifting medium and power source. There is a wide variety of hoists designed to meet specific application needs, including chain hoists, wire rope hoists, and lever or ratchet hoists. Additionally, hoists can be powered manually, electrically, or pneumatically, depending on the requirements of the operation.
Chain hoists utilize a metal chain for lifting, with the chain passing through sprockets and being stored in a container. Among different hoist types, chain hoists are widely preferred because of their cost-effectiveness and minimal maintenance requirements. They can be powered by manual, electric, or pneumatic means. However, their capacity is limited, making them suitable mainly for lighter lifting tasks.
Wire rope hoists lift loads using a wire rope, which wraps around a grooved drum when in operation. These hoists offer high lifting speeds and can handle loads of 10 tons or more. Known for their quiet operation, wire rope hoists are ideal for demanding and heavy-duty applications with jib cranes.
Manual hoists, which can be either wire rope or chain types, are designed for infrequent lifting tasks where rapid speed is not essential. In these hoists, one chain is used to lift the load, while the other chain is operated by hand to provide manual power. Pulling on the chain rotates gears inside the hoist, causing the lifting chain to move upward. As the load ascends, the chain is collected in a storage basket within the hoist mechanism.
A lever hoist is a type of manual hoist where the operator uses a lever to engage the lifting mechanism, rather than pulling a chain. As the lever is moved up and down, it causes the chain to be wound into a storage basket, similar to how a manual chain hoist operates.
The trolley is a motorized device used to move the hoist horizontally along the boom's top or underside. Trolleys can accommodate both wire rope and chain hoists equipped with hooks. They traverse the full length of the boom and remain stationary while the hoist performs lifting operations. The trolley's power cable management is facilitated by a festoon system, which consists of rollers or holders that support and guide the power cables along the trolley's path.
A festoon system is used to transport cables and power to the trolley along the boom. Various types of festoon systems ensure the safe and controlled management of power cables. These systems can be mounted on C tracks, square rails, or I beams, with I beams being the most common for jib cranes. They safeguard cables from damage and ensure reliable connectivity for jib crane components. Festoon systems are particularly beneficial for jib cranes with long booms and heavy-duty trolleys.
Jib cranes can be powered by either electrical or pneumatic sources, with power or air lines typically positioned at the top of the mast to supply the hoist, trolley, and boom rotation. Push-button controls manage the crane’s movements, including the operation of the hoist and trolley and the boom's rotation.
Crane operators use either a push-button pendant or a wireless control system, depending on the crane’s design. Both control types allow operators to manage the lifting, positioning, and lowering of loads while ensuring they remain safely out of the load's path. These controls are designed to facilitate ease of use and precise handling of the load.
Rotation stops are crucial safety mechanisms designed to prevent a jib crane from colliding with nearby objects or structures. These stops are essential when a crane is positioned near walls or columns. Typically, rotation stops are permanently welded to the crane's mast to restrict its movement. In addition to fixed stops, adjustable rotation stops are available, allowing operators to configure the limits based on the proximity of surrounding equipment.
To safeguard a jib crane’s functionality based on its operating environment, various protective measures may be implemented. These include using galvanized materials to prevent rust, installing enclosures for applications involving explosive materials, and providing shielding to guard against heat, dust, dirt, and moisture.
Jib cranes are designed to streamline and ease repetitive lifting tasks, reducing the reliance on manual labor. Their various models can be tailored to meet diverse lifting and load-bearing needs. Jib cranes stand out as versatile, high-capacity tools with a cost-effective design.
With their capability to handle and precisely position heavy, awkward loads, jib cranes have a broad range of applications. They are commonly used in automotive repair shops for engine handling and on assembly lines for managing large components. Ongoing advancements and refinements in their design continue to enhance their functionality and reliability.
Jib cranes play a crucial role in assembly processes by being stationed at workstations to support assembly tasks and positioned near production lines for effective material handling and transport. They have significantly alleviated worker strain and enhanced productivity. The ease of jib crane operation ensures that materials are readily accessible, allowing for smoother and more efficient workflows.
On production lines where substantial equipment is being assembled, jib cranes facilitate the transfer of components between different assembly stations. Their straightforward operation ensures that these transfers are both swift and seamless.
Cranes have long been integral to shipping operations, facilitating the loading and unloading of ships and trucks. While many of these cranes are large and robust, capable of handling several tons, jib cranes also play a crucial role. They are particularly efficient for tasks such as loading and unloading boats and transporting materials from the dock or onto trucks.
The construction sector frequently faces the challenge of transporting heavy materials to difficult-to-access areas, such as underground foundations or multi-story buildings. Jib cranes are particularly suited for these tasks, allowing for the efficient placement of materials in hard-to-reach spots. By reducing manual labor and saving time, jib cranes significantly boost productivity on construction sites.
Cranes that are commonly found in warehouses and supply storage locations are gantry and overhead cranes that can move the full length of a complex and lift tremendous loads. Heavy duty and strong cranes are necessary in such operations since they improve the efficiency and speed of material handling. In many warehouses, jib cranes are used as supplements and addons for the larger and more robust cranes. They provide the precision and accuracy needed to put materials on trucks or place them on a production line.
When selecting an overhead crane, such as a jib crane, it's crucial to understand the various crane classifications. The crane industry has established these classifications to help customers choose the most suitable, cost-effective, and safe crane for their specific needs. While heavy-duty cranes might seem advantageous, they might not always be the best choice for certain conditions or types of materials.
Crane classifications provide a quick overview of a crane’s capabilities, offering customers a clear understanding of a jib crane’s performance and suitability at a glance.
Class A1 cranes are intended for standby service, handling infrequent lifts with heavy loads at slow speeds and long intervals between cycles. They are ideal for tasks like machinery installation, with a load-bearing lifespan exceeding 1200 hours.
Class A2 cranes are designed for occasional use with light loads, operating at slow speeds with moderate precision. They are rated for a limited number of loads per day, typically about two per hour, and have a service life of over 1200 hours.
Class B cranes, or light service cranes, manage light loads at slow speeds. They handle loads ranging from no load to full capacity, typically performing up to five lifts per hour over a distance of 15 feet. These cranes are built to last over 2000 hours.
Class C cranes, classified as moderate service cranes, offer a service life exceeding 5000 hours, with five to ten lifts per hour and a lifting distance of 15 feet. They are commonly used in environments like repair shops, paper mills, and machine shops.
Class D cranes are known as heavy service or constant use cranes, designed for high-speed operations with more than 20 lifts per hour and a reach of 15 feet. They handle loads at 65% of their capacity and have a lifespan of over 10,000 hours, often used in heavy industries with challenging loads.
Class E cranes are built for extremely heavy-duty applications, capable of making 20 or more high-speed lifts per hour with a service life of up to 20,000 hours. They handle loads approaching their full capacity and are found in mills, production plants, and container handling operations.
Class F cranes are the most robust, performing 20 or more lifts per hour with a service life exceeding 20,000 hours. They operate at or near their maximum capacity with continuous, repetitive use, representing the highest tier of crane performance and durability.
The classification system is a useful tool for determining the most appropriate jib crane for specific operational requirements. The progression from Class A1 to Class F provides a comprehensive view of the operational conditions and performance capabilities, ensuring that the selected crane meets the necessary demands and offers optimal service.
Jib cranes can enhance production efficiency, streamline operations, and boost workplace safety by performing heavy lifting tasks swiftly, reducing the need for manual labor. Constructed from durable materials, they are designed to withstand the rigors of continuous use. Selecting the appropriate jib crane for a specific operation involves understanding both the operational parameters and the characteristics of the crane that best suits those needs.
The duty cycle is a critical factor in choosing a jib crane, as it defines how frequently the crane will be used, along with the types and weights of the loads it will handle. For optimal performance, a jib crane must be designed to match the demands of its duty cycle.
Selecting a jib crane with an inappropriate duty cycle can lead to premature wear and frequent breakdowns, adversely affecting the crane's overall service life.
Jib cranes typically offer a rotation range from 180° to 360°, applicable to freestanding and mast types. The necessary rotation depends on the load movement requirements and the working area available.
The boom height of a jib crane can be adjusted according to the operational needs. It is important to consider the proximity to ceilings, obstructions, and other equipment when determining the boom height.
Factors influencing the height of a jib crane include access to power sources, obstructions, building layout, and operational requirements. Manufacturers collaborate with customers to design and engineer jib cranes that fit specific operational conditions.
The working span of a jib crane is defined by the length of its boom and the travel distance of the trolley. The boom length is influenced by the workspace and any obstructions present.
Jib cranes require either electrical or pneumatic power, which must be readily accessible and properly configured. This aspect needs to be addressed before the installation of the jib crane. Manufacturers often assist with these considerations during the initial evaluation process.
A gantry crane is an overhead crane that has an overhead beam supported by freestanding legs and moves on wheels, a track, or rail system carrying a bridge, trolley, and hoist. Workshops, warehouses, freight yards, railroads, and shipyards use gantry cranes as their lifting solution as a variation of overhead or bridge cranes...
An overhead crane is a type of heavy duty machinery that is capable of moving extremely heavy loads and equipment from one location to another in a safe and precise manner using the overhead space of a manufacturing facility. Due to the nature of the work they perform...
An aircraft cable is a style of highly durable cable that is used for aircraft flight controls and other applications and is differentiated from normal cables by its diameter, stranding, and wires, which provide...
Electric hoists are material handling equipment used for lifting, lowering, and transporting materials and products. They are powered by an electric motor and have a controller to adjust the lifting parameters...
A hydraulic lift is a device for moving objects using force created by pressure on a liquid inside a cylinder that moves a piston upward. Incompressible oil is pumped into the cylinder, which forces the piston upward. When a valve opens to release the oil, the piston lowers by gravitational force...
A lift table is a platform capable of holding materials and raising, lowering, and adjusting them to any height to meet the needs of an application and the user’s requirements. Lift tables are supported by a strong, rigid, and stable base frame placed flat on the floor, in a pit, or equipped with casters or wheels...
A pallet stacker is a machine designed to assist the user in lifting, moving and handling palletized materials with ease. A pallet itself is a flat and horizontal structure used to support goods in a sturdy fashion...
A push pull cable control is used for the transmission of multi directional precision control of mechanical motion. The many varieties of push pull cables or controls are adaptable to a wide range of applications and...
Scissor lifts are a type of manlift that is commonly used in construction and facility maintenance to raise employees and their tools to working heights. A power system and a control system make up the scissor lift...
Stranded wire refers to thin bundled up wires that are compressed and covered up in insulating material. Stranded wires are more flexible thus making them very ideal for joining electronic circuit components in confined spaces where their bending...
Wire rope is a collection of metal strands that have been twisted and wound to form the shape of a helix with the purpose of supporting and lifting heavy loads and performing tasks that are too rigorous for standard wire...
A wire rope assembly is composed of wire rope and end fittings, terminals, or lanyards that are attached to various parts of the wire rope such that the assembly can be used to lift, hoist, and move loads. The various types of...
Wire rope is constructed of multiple strands of wire that are twisted and braided together to form a spiral design or helix. Once the separate wires are shaped into a solid form, they become a single wire with greater strength because...
A hydraulic system is based on Pascal‘s principle of fluid pressure, which hypothesizes that a change in pressure in a fluid is transmitted to all points of the fluid in all directions. With a hydraulic lift, an electrically powered pump pushes fluid into a cylinder at the base of a lifting jack system that lifts the platform up and down...