The Basics About Jib Cranes

Jib cranes are overhead lifting equipment used is small workspaces for unique and repetitive lifting jobs. They are very versatile in their functionality. In some instances, they are usually merged with overhead bridge cranes for optimum production.

Although their designs are fairly simple, jib cranes(gruas pescante) have the capacity to lift as little as 250 lbs or as much as 15 tons, depending on the application. They are ergonomically designed to increase the productivity of workers, while improving safety and reducing workplace injuries in production environments.

The objective of this article is to help you understand the basics about jib cranes, their components, how they work and factors to consider before buying, among others. This will help know exactly what to look out for when choosing a jib crane for your specific operation. You will be able to determine whether to go for a wall mounted, column mounted(columna montada) or wall traveling crane.

AICRANE Column Mounted Jib Crane
AICRANE Column Mounted Jib Crane

Jib Crane Designs and Components

In most cases, jib cranes come in very simple designs and constructions. Unlike workstation cranes and gantry or bridge cranes, they are easy to operate and are easy to maintain, given that they don’t have many parts that could fail or breakdown while in operation.

Components

  • Reach or Boom – This is the beam that runs horizontally, on which the trolley(carro) travels.
  • Trolley – The trolley travels forth and back along the boom, carrying with it the hook, the hoist and the chain or wire rope. The trolley’s movement can be either pneumatic, manual or motorized.
  • The mast or Pillar – This is the vertical beam that supports the reach or boom freestanding mast systems.
  • Movable Hoist – The movable hoist is for lifting, positioning or lowering a load.
  • Rotation Stop – This is used for limiting the movement of the crane, least it collides with nearby objects. This is especially when the crane is situated close to a wall or any other obstruction.
  • Controls – Several components of the jib crane require controls. Air-powered or motorized jib systems have push-button controllers, which are used to control the movement of the trolley, the lowering and lifting action of the hoist, and the rotation of the boom.
  • Electrification/ Pneumatic Power – To enhance rotation and provide for continuous 360 rotation of the boom, pneumatic airlines or electric collector rings can either be added to the top or to the bottom of the mast.
  • Hook Height – This refers to how high a jib crane can be. To determine this, you must determine the lowest overhead obstruction.
  • Rotation – With mast and freestanding jib cranes you can achieve a full 360rotation. However, this is not possible with either column or wall mounted jib cranes. These ones can give between 180and 200rotation.
  • Environmental Considerations – If you intend to mount a jib crane for outdoor applications, you may consider having the components of your jib crane galvanized. This is necessary to prevent corrosion that may occur due to exposure to elements of corrosive. In dusty, dirty and moist environments, you may consider designing special controls enclosures, especially for proofing against explosive applications.
  • Learn More Info: https://aicrane.com.mx/grua-pluma-giratoria/
Wall Mounted Jib Crane With High Quality
Wall Mounted Jib Crane With High Quality

Choosing or Designing a Jib Crane

Designing a jib crane for any application needs utmost consideration for optimal performance and productivity. Below are some of the factors to consider when doing this.

  1. Duty Cycle/ Service Classification – The service classification or duty cycle ensures that all the components are both stable and durable enough for the expected load application.
  2. Area of Rotation – Freestanding Jib cranes are capable of 360rotation, unlike wall mounted jib cranes, which can only do up to 180rotations.
  3. Height Under Beam – This is the height from the floor to the underside of the boom. You also need to factor the hoist size and lifting height.
  4. Power Requirements – Consider whether you’ll require power and whether it’ll be electric or air, for your jib crane’s motor drive(accionamiento del motor), hoist, and trolley, or for all of them. If so, consider whether it’ll be for outdoor or indoor application and whether the entry of power will be from the bottom or overhead.
  5. Overall Height of the Jib Crane should also be put into consideration. Are there any attachments, for example, electrical attachments? Ensure that your crane is not obstructed from above.
  6. Actual Working Distance – The actual working span or distance is also called hook distance. It’s roughly the boom length less the length of the trolley on both ends.
  7. Jib Crane Brand – If you want to buy a jib crane with high quality, you can visit the products from Aicrane Machinery(Aicrane Maquinaria).