Cranes come in two basic types: mobile cranes and fixed cranes. While a mobile crane offers flexibility, allowing it to move to any location or job, fixed cranes can carry much heavier loads, are more stable, and can reach far higher. While these fixed cranes are not meant to be moved very often, some can be disassembled and reassembled, for added mobility.
One popular type of fixed crane is a jib crane. With jib cranes, a moveable hoist is supported by a horizontal beam (called a jib or boom). Jib cranes can move up to five tonnes at a time and can span up to 20 feet of floor space, reaching up to extensive heights, depending upon the chosen foundation.
One type of fixed crane is the wall mounted jib crane; with this crane, the horizontal beam is attached to a wall. These cranes are good for individual hoists within bays and areas where lifting power is needed along walls or adjacent columns inside a manufacturing facility. They can also supplement larger overhead cranes.
These are supported by a built in, tapered base, or sometimes mounted directly into the ground. These are useful for applications outdoors or in other wide open spaces, such as loading docks and large loading bays. Free standing jib cranes are useful when a circular coverage area is needed, or when placed in concert with other cranes to provide full coverage of a larger area.
Within the family of jib cranes are the mast type, which is supported by the floor and ceiling, providing maximum stability. These cranes are well suited to applications where a full circle needs to be covered, but the cost is a factor (these are less expensive than freestanding models). Mast type jib cranes are available in full cantilever and drop cantilever.
Fixed jib cranes are most popular in the major industrial properties and sometimes are attached to military vehicles. Occasionally, this type of crane is mounted to the top of a warehouse, allowing materials and stock to be lifted from the ground to any floor in the building.
Selecting a jib crane involves many considerations. One must look at what needs the crane will be filling, what the application is for the crane, and if mobility is important. Part of this involves deciding how tall of a crane is needed, and how high the jib needs to extend. It is also necessary to consider what type of foundation or structural support is available to mount the jib upon. Obviously, a cost of the jib crane is necessary, but a cost of installation and maintenance must also be considered. For example, when choosing a free standing jib crane, it is important that the base plate includes a full gusset plate. This minimises warping of the base, providing stronger support, less deflection of the base legs, and better lifting power for the crane. With any jib crane, a large, solid head size is important (the vertical plate that attaches the arm to the jib) for stability and longevity.