Jib Crane Models
Jib cranes are made up of a trolley hoist on a horizontal load-bearing boom. This boom is connected to a pivoting vertical member and up to 20 feet long. Jib cranes are able to transport loads between any areas within the boom's arc of rotation. Light duty models are used in factories and warehouses for loads weighing as much as 5 tons. The website BestJibCranes.com showcases the major jib crane types as being either mast mounted, free-standing or wall-mounted.
Free Standing
The free-standing jib crane units do not require any support from the building structure and are able to stand by themselves. The horizontal boom in this particular situation is attached to a pivoting vertical column that is firmly anchored to the floor of the building. This kind of jib crane needs a foundation made of either concrete or steel and could rotate a full 360 degrees.
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 connected to the floor of the building and the overhead steel structure. These jib-cranes provide 360 degrees of rotation with the advantage of not needing the massive foundation required for free-standing units.
Wall Mounted
The wall-mounted jib cranes offer a horizontal boom which is connected to the building wall as opposed to the typical vertical column. These machine are great in areas where the full 360 degree rotation is not required and offer up to 200 degrees of rotation.
Depending on how the boom is supported, there are two model varieties. One type uses a tie rod from above the boom which is attached to the wall. The other type supports the boom from below by using a cantilever brace that is attached to the wall as well.