JIB Cranes

A jib crane is a type of crane that consists of a horizontal member (jib or boom) supporting a movable hoist, which is fixed to a wall or to a floor-mounted pillar. It is used for lifting and moving loads within a limited arc or circular area, providing localized lifting solutions.

Types of JIB Cranes

Wall-Mounted Jib Cranes: Fixed to a wall or building column, saving floor space.

Cantilever Jib Cranes: Jib extends horizontally from the wall.

Tie-Rod Jib Cranes: Jib supported by a tie-rod from above, allowing for a wider span.

Floor-Mounted Jib Cranes (Pillar/Column Jib Cranes): Mounted to the floor with a robust concrete foundation. The jib rotates around a fixed mast.

Mast Type Jib Cranes: Similar to floor-mounted, but the mast itself rotates, often offering larger capacities.

Articulating Jib Cranes: Have multiple hinged arms, allowing the hoist to reach around obstacles or into tight spaces.

Over-Braced vs. Under-Braced Jib Cranes: Refers to how the jib is supported (above or below the boom), affecting head clearance.

Manual/Powered Rotation: Jib can be rotated manually or with an electric motor.

Fixed/Variable Speeds: Hoist and trolley can have fixed or variable speeds.

Applications in Various Industries

Manufacturing & Assembly Lines: Used for lifting and positioning components at workstations, loading/unloading machine tools, and small-scale material handling.

Warehousing: Spot lifting of goods, loading trucks in specific areas.

Welding & Fabrication Shops: Moving heavy parts for welding, grinding, or assembly.

Docks & Ports: For localized loading/unloading of cargo (though larger cranes are more common).

Maintenance & Repair Shops: Lifting engines, heavy machinery components.

Foundries: Handling molds and castings.

Technology:

Structural Design: Engineered to safely support the maximum rated load, considering bending moments and rotational stresses.

Hoist & Trolley: Typically electric chain hoists or wire rope hoists, with manual or electric trolleys for horizontal movement along the jib.

Rotation Mechanism: Manual rotation, or electric motors with gearboxes for powered rotation.

Braking Systems: For controlling hoist movement and rotation.

Safety Features: Limit switches for lift height and travel, overload protection, emergency stop buttons, and robust foundations.

Material Selection Considerations

Jib/Boom:

• Structural Steel (e.g., ASTM A36, A572 Grade 50): Heavy-duty steel beams (I-beams, H-beams, box girders) or pipes chosen for high strength, rigidity, and weldability.
• Large Diameter Steel Pipe or Fabricated Box Section: To provide vertical support and resist bending and torsional forces.
• Base Plate & Anchor Bolts: Thick steel base plates and high-strength anchor bolts (e.g., Grade 8.8 or higher) for secure foundation mounting.
• Hoist & Trolley: Cast iron or fabricated steel for the hoist body, steel components for the trolley, hardened steel for gears.
• Bearings: Heavy-duty thrust bearings and radial bearings for smooth and controlled rotation of the jib.
• Surface Finish: Primer followed by industrial-grade paint or powder coating for corrosion protection and durability. Galvanization for outdoor or corrosive environments.
• Electrical Components: Industrial-grade components enclosed in IP-rated housings.