Jib Crane Models
Jib cranes are made up of a trolley hoist on a horizontal load-bearing boom. This boom is attached to a pivoting vertical member and up to 20 feet long. Jib cranes could move loads between any areas within the boom's arc of rotation. Light duty models are used within warehouses and factories for loads weighing as much as 5 tons. The web site BestJibCranes.com showcases the major jib crane models as being either wall-mounted, mast mounted or free-standing.
Free Standing
The free-standing jib crane models do not need any support from the building structure and can stand by themselves. The horizontal boom in this case is connected to a pivoting vertical column which is solidly anchored to the building floor. This kind of jib crane could rotate a full 360 degrees and needs a foundation made of either concrete or steel.
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 attached to the building floor and the overhead steel structure. These jib-cranes provide 360 degrees of rotation with the advantage of not requiring the massive foundation needed for free-standing units.
Wall Mounted
Wall mounted jib cranes are attached to the wall of the building rather than supporting a typical vertical column. These cranes provide a horizontal boom. These machine provide 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 kind uses a tie rod from above the boom that is attached to the wall. The other variety supports the boom from below by using a cantilever brace that is connected to the wall as well.