LIFTING EQUIPMENT – CHOOSING THE RIGHT JIB CRANE

September 10, 2019

Raytoko Articles

Jib cranes serve as a more budget friendly solution for moving materials. They can move these materials within a single work area, or from one work area to another. Additionally, they can also serve as supplementary crane equipment under overhead cranes. There is also a variety of these crane types available on the market today. Different configurations, like self-supporting or wall-mounted, are ideal for different applications.

When choosing beween jib crane types for your needs, there are several considerations. For example, your operation type, unit cost and installation, and facility structure matter. Additionally, you may need options like box-track festooning, boom locks, and rotation stops. Be sure to consider the following factors when choosing the between jib cranes:

Jib cranes are an excellent alternative to other, more expensive crane types. They’re also well suited to a range of working environments.

CAPACITY

At all times, The weight of the load should never exceed the rated capacity of the lifting equipment. The design load of the crane equipment affects the capacity rating. The design load includes the crane’s capacity rating plus 15 percent of the weight capacity of the hoist and trolley. This also includes 25 percent of the total capacity, which allows for more impact.

The capacity, plus 15 percent of hoist and trolley capacity, affects deflection. Before going with a manufacturer, check the jib crane design criteria they use. You want jib cranes that offer the least deflection, so as not to hamper their performance.

HEIGHT OF JIB CRANES

This refers to the height to the highest point of the crane equipment after installation. Be sure to consider any crane attachments and how they might affect the height, as well. Where possible, you want full rotational potention and no overhead obstructions.

CRANE EQUIPMENT BOOM ROTATION

Different types of jib cranes offer different amounts of rotation. For example, freestanding and mast-type jibs offer 360-degree retation. Wall-mounted jib-cranes offer 200-degree rotation.

Articulating jibs offer 360-degree rotation on the inner and outer arm. This is if they’re freestanding or ceiling mounted. Otherwise, wall-mounted articulating jibs offer 360-degree outer arm. They will also offer 200-degree rotation on the inner arm. Be sure to consider this when selecting a jib crane.

The jib crane that suits your requirements may vary wildly. You’ll need to account for a range of needs such as power supply, weatherisation, and more.

WORKING SPAN

The working span is the distance from the floor to the underside of the lifting equipment boom. Here, you’ll need to account of the size of the hoist and the lift height you will need. The working distance will be roughly one-half the trolley length from the end of the beam. It will also be the same distance from the head assembly, or vertical support member of the jib.

POWER REQUIRED

You will need to know how much power you will need for effective crane equipment operation. Is there power allocated for rotation, trolley, and hoist? How will you suppy power to the crane? Will the power be bottom or top entry? Take these factors into account.

WEATHERISATION

The jib crane that suits your requirements may vary wildly. You’ll need to account for a range of needs such as power supply, weatherisation, and more.

If you plan on installing your system outdoors, then there are extra considerations. The system and its components will probably need weatherisation if the jib crane operates outdoors.

INSTALLATION

Where possible, the crane should be easy to install. This assists with reducing costs on your end. The location will also affect the types of jib cranes you need to install. Some will be more expensive than others, such as a freestanding jib crane. These need reinforced concrete foundations to operate properly, which is expensive.

Need advice on what will best suit your needs? Contact Raytoko today!