What Is a Jib Crane - Overview Types and Uses

In contrast with other large overhead crane system, which must have a considerable amount of installation, the jib cranes are compact and could be mounted on the wall or column or on the bases. They are used for lifting, lowering, and positioning load and are very useful for industries that require frequent and precise movements of loads.

TYPES OF JIB CRANES

The following are the various types of jib cranes and how they are used in various industrial workplaces: The main types include:

Freestanding Jib Cranes: This heavy-duty floor-mounted column is designed to rotate up to 360 degrees, offering full coverage in a circular work area, making it ideal for standalone lifting operations where wall or ceiling mounting isn’t feasible. It is used in industries with workshop, loading docks and yards to offer flexible and robust hoist solutions for different lifts.

Wall-Mounted Jib Cranes: Most of the models can swivel up to 180-200 degrees and, if wall or column mounted, take up minimal floor space. Suitable for limited space configuration, it is applied in small car manufacturing lines, construction workshops, and repair sections where space organization is of outmost importance.

Mast-Type Jib Cranes: This type of jib crane does not require any floor fixing and is fitted to an existing supporting structure instead resulting to use of very little floor space similar to other freestanding overhead jib cranes but has the flexibility of full 360o rotation. This is perfectly suitable for building with high ceiling and would most suitably be used in warehouses or production floors where every square inch of floor space must be made productive.

Portable Jib Cranes: This mobile jib crane is mounted on a wheeled or caster-equipped base, allowing it to be easily relocated between workstations as needed. Perfect for dynamic work environments, it’s commonly used in maintenance, repair, and temporary lifting operations where flexibility and portability are key advantages.

COMMON USES OF JIB CRANES

Manufacturing & Workshops: It is ideal for loading and unloading heavy machinery parts, tools, and raw materials, as well as assisting in assembly line operations where precise component placement is required.

Warehousing & Logistics: Excels at moving pallets, crates, and packaged goods in tight storage spaces where larger equipment can't operate. It's also highly effective for small-scale cargo handling at loading docks, offering precise control and manoeuvrability in confined areas.

Construction & Maintenance: Designed for lifting and manoeuvring bulky building materials, pipes, and heavy equipment in confined workspaces where traditional cranes can't operate.

Automotive & Aerospace: Engineered for specialised handling of engines, vehicle components, and aircraft parts during assembly processes, offering exceptional control for precision positioning of heavy mechanical elements.

Marine & Shipbuilding: This jib crane is specifically designed for handling ship components, tools, and supplies in tight dockyard spaces, as well as facilitating cargo transfers in small ports where traditional large cranes are impractical.

Whether in manufacturing, warehousing, construction, or any heavy-industrial application, jib cranes improve productivity by enabling safe, precise, and repetitive lifting in confined workspaces. Their space-saving design, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness make them a preferred choice for businesses looking to optimise material handling processes.