What Is a Jib Crane and How Does It Work?
Moving heavy and bulky items can be difficult, especially when they need to be moved up or down. With a jib crane, you can efficiently transport heavy materials in any direction within its range using a hoist. These cranes provide great flexibility for businesses looking to increase their efficiency. Below, we will discuss jib cranes, how they work, and some advantages they can offer your business.
1. What Is a Jib Crane?
This is a type of overhead material handling equipment consisting of a horizontal beam mounted to the floor and an arm known as the boom that extends outward. The boom can be extended to various lengths, reaching different parts of the work area. At the end of the boom is a hoist, which uses pulleys and chains to lift and move items up to their maximum capacity. Jib cranes are typically used in production areas where items such as warehouses or factories need to be lifted and moved quickly.
2. How Does a Jib Crane Work?
Jib cranes are powered by electric motors and typically use either chain hoists or wire rope hoists. Chain hoists, operated using a hand crank, are generally used for lighter loads, while wire rope hoists can support heavier items. The operator controls the jib crane from the ground via a control panel, allowing them to move the boom and the hoist in any direction within its range.
Additionally, jib cranes can be fitted with various accessories, such as extension arms and jibs, to increase their capabilities further. Extension arms allow the boom to extend outward, while jibs can be attached to the end of the boom, allowing for even more flexibility when lifting items in different directions.
3. What Are the Different Types of Jib Cranes?
Wall-Mounted Jib Cranes
These cranes are mounted directly onto walls, providing a space-saving alternative to traditional jib cranes. They’re typically used for light lifting operations, such as loading and unloading items from shelves or pallets.
Column-Mounted Jib Cranes
These cranes are supported by a column or pillar and provide slightly more flexibility in terms of movement than wall-mounted jibs due to their ability to rotate up to 360 degrees. They’re mostly used for heavier operations than wall-mounted jibs.
Gantry Jib Cranes
Gantry jibs are similar to freestanding jibs, but they offer increased flexibility by including two booms that can move independently. Gantry jibs are usually used for heavier-duty material handling operations.
Free-Standing Jib Cranes
Also known as a pillar or wall-mounted jibs, these cranes have a vertical beam that reaches up to the ceiling and can offer 360 degrees of movement. They’re often used in outdoor applications such as loading and unloading large items from trucks or shipping containers.
Articulating Jib Cranes
Similar to gantry jibs, articulating cranes feature two booms but with the addition of an adjustable elbow joint in between them, which allows for even more flexibility when lifting objects in different directions. They are ideal for more complex material-handling tasks.
4. Advantages of Using a Jib Crane
Increased Safety
No matter the industry, safety should always be a top priority when it comes to material handling operations. Jib cranes help reduce the risk of injury to workers by offering an easy and efficient way to move heavy items without manually lifting them. This helps increase overall productivity while also helping keep your employees safe.
Improved Flexibility
The flexibility offered by jib cranes is one of their biggest advantages. With their ability to move and rotate in any direction within their range, they can easily accommodate different loading and unloading scenarios and provide improved access for operators. Additionally, with the inclusion of extension arms and jibs, these cranes can reach farther than most other material handling systems.
Cost-Effectiveness
Every business needs to be mindful of its budget, and jib cranes are an excellent cost-effective option for material handling. Jibs require minimal installation and can be used with various hoists, making them an ideal choice for businesses that need quick and easy access to heavy items.
Additionally, since these cranes typically run on electric motors, they offer increased energy efficiency compared to traditional overhead materials handling systems. When looking for jib cranes for sale, research the different types and capacities available to find one that fits your needs.
Conclusion
Jib cranes are an excellent solution for material handling operations. They offer increased safety, improved flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making them a great option for businesses that need to move heavy items efficiently. With the various types and accessories available, it’s easy to find one that fits your needs.
