Selection of Jib Cranes
A jib crane is typically mounted on an existing building column or is “freestanding” with its own integral support column. Jib cranes mounted on an existing building column are limited to approximately 180-degree pivot. Most freestanding Jib Cranes can rotate 360 degrees or even continuously when supplied with collector rings that allow the power supply to be maintained to the hoist.
Before you decide that a jib crane is right for your application, we recommend that you consider the following:
Verify Structure and Foundation
Jib cranes installed on existing building columns will require that there is verification that the existing column is able to support the added loads imposed by the jib crane. We require engineering confirmation that the column and its supporting footer are adequate. When installing a freestanding jib crane with its own column, we will need to determine if the existing building slab is adequate or if a separate poured footer is required. Hoist capacities over ½ ton will usually require a dedicated footer in most buildings.
Check for required Dimensions and Clearances
The hoist beam must be high enough to clear any machines underneath and provide adequate hook height to lift and place the loads. Once this height is established, ensure that the top of the boom clears any low obstructions like lights and sprinkler lines by at least 3” as required by OSHA. Rotation stops can be placed on the jib so that the boom travel can be limited to a fixed rotation to miss striking building columns or other interferences.
The jib crane’s hoisting hook coverage is limited by the length of the jib crane hoist beam or “boom” length and the actual hoist trolley travel on that beam. Jib crane booms are commonly 10′ to 20’ long. Longer booms are possible, however, as the boom length increases, so do the required size of the column and footers,
Determine Power Requirements
Jib crane rotation can be manual or powered. In capacities greater than two tons, powered rotation can help control larger loads and help protect the safety of the operator. Light loads are usually easy to control by manual operation. Most hoists that are used routinely will be powered as manual hoists are very labor intensive.
Electric Chain Hoists with Motor Driven Trolleys are usually a good choice for use with Jib Cranes. Once you have determined the need for electric power, you will need to have a power supply as well as determine the need for rotation collectors if the load rotation can exceed 360 degrees. The power supply for a jib crane must have a dedicated floor mounted, marked, lockable disconnect. Hoist and trolley control can be from a radio control or from a pendant wired back to the jib or trolley hoist.
Flexible Solution
One of the advantages of Jib Cranes is that they are a flexible solution that often allows for a simple relocation of the jib to a new location in the plant if work cell locations change. Other jib crane styles including full cantilever, mast type, and wall traveling allow for additional flexibility for certain applications.
Installation Process
Once you have decided that a Jib Crane is right for your application, CRANE 1 will determine if any engineering is required for existing columns or footers. We will assist with placement of the Jib and footer and provide you with engineered approval and clearance drawings. Once the drawings are approved, the Jib Crane and hoist is ordered, and installation can be scheduled in as little as a month.
If you are interested in a new jib crane system, CRANE 1 features jib cranes in various configurations and duty ratings from Gorbel, Spanco, Handling Systems, Able Howe, Contrx and others. Each of these manufacturers builds similar products that differentiate themselves by specific application needs or duty requirements. CRANE 1 has the expertise to choose the right Jib Crane style and Manufacturer for your specific need.
