Jib Crane Mounting Types
Free Standing Jib Crane
This is the most common type of jib system because it can be installed almost anywhere, including indoors and outdoors. Freestanding jib systems can be used beneath large overhead crane systems or in open areas where individual work cells can be supported. They can also be used outside at marinas or loading docks, as well as indoors for machining and assembly operations where multiple jibs can be used concurrently with the staged operation.
A free-standing jib crane has its own column and, once installed, is permanently attached to the ground. Foundations with significant depths would be required to withstand the overturning moment in order to fix a free standing jib crane to the floor. A tubular column allows for a full 360° slew, but it's important to note that if used with an electric chain hoist, power must be supplied via slip rings unless stops are included to prevent a full rotation.
A lower capacity or shorter radius jib crane must be fixed directly to the floor if the floor specification is known in advance and is suitable and in good condition. For jib cranes with a larger radius and load capacity, the most cost-effective mounting solution would be to cast directly into the floor, but this would also require moving it at a later date, which is an unappealing prospect. A bolted connection, which requires a base plate and fixings that require more space around the base of the column, or the use of chemical anchors is often a more suitable installation.
Base Mount Jib Cranes
Base mount jib cranes also go by the names of floor mount jib cranes or free standing jib cranes. These typically install onto a concrete footing, thus not applying a load to the building columns. These self supporting jib cranes are fitting for applications which are not near building columns or require large capacities or spans. These can also mount into a sleeve which is installed on top of the floor or recessed into the floor. Capacities are available up to 15 Tons, spans up to 50’, and up to 40’ to the underside of boom. Rotation is 360 degrees.
Base mount jib cranes - Floor mount jib cranes and free standing jib cranes are other names for base mount jib cranes. These are typically installed on a concrete footing, removing the load from the building columns. These self-supporting jib cranes are ideal for applications that do not require large capacities or spans and are not near building columns. These can also be installed in a sleeve installed on top of the floor or recessed into the floor. Capacities of up to 16 Tons are available and the rotational axis is 360 degrees.
Pillar Jib Cranes
When there isn't a suitable building column nearby, mast or pillar jib cranes come in handy. The jib's mast or pillar connects to the floor and the overhead support steel. As a result, they apply forces to the building, but those forces often necessitate less reinforcement steel than a tie-rod or cantilever jib crane. Standard sizes range from 5 Tons to 20' span and 20' to the underside of the boom. Larger-scale custom projects are possible. The rotational axis is 360 degrees.
Foundationless & Portable Jib Cranes
Foundationless jib cranes are bolted-to-reinforced-concrete industrial slab-mounted systems. They function similarly to base mount jibs but do not require a special foundation. This type of jib crane can be installed almost anywhere in your facility and is easily relocated if necessary.
Portable jib cranes are similar to base mounted jib cranes, but they are attached to a heavy steel base. This jib crane design eliminates the need for concrete foundation and can be moved easily by a forklift for multiple uses.
Wall Mounted Jib Cranes
A wall-mounted jib crane secures the bearings to a pre-existing structure, such as a building, column, or wall. The jib crane's slew would be limited to 180° if fixed to a wall, but column-mounted or pillar mounted jib units could rotate up to 270° depending on the installation.
You must assess the most appropriate jib crane designs for your operational needs and application conditions, provide drawings outlining the imposed loadings on the structure, such as a wall or column, and calculate a'maximum moment' in force, which is generated by the combined weight of the load and lifting appliance when at the end of the jib, while taking into account the dynamic effects of operation under the loads.
Where strength allows, wall mount jib cranes can be mounted at any height on a vertical wall or building columns. They are ideal for areas with limited floor space and can easily swing out of the way of overhead cranes. A wall traveling jib crane could also be installed to maximize hook coverage area when compared to a traditional wall mounted jib crane.
Ceiling Mount Jib Crane
When it comes to maximizing production area below the jib, ceiling mount jib cranes are an excellent choice. They provide a clear work area with no floor obstructions, as well as maximum headroom and clearance in small workstations. These cranes are typically attached to a carrier that operates on a bridge or monorail system. They are also suitable for use with an articulating jib crane and can support almost any type of manipulator, balancer, or hoist. The rotational axis is 360 degrees.
