Custom Jib Crane Range

A Jib crane comes in various formats and we can offer you a wide range of Jib cranes for sale. We include our own custom made cranes manufactured here on site, to suit your lifting requirements and necessary specifications. We are able to produce our most popular floor mounted swing jibs as well as column mounted and wall mounted versions each with either under or over bracing options. The maximum size for our floor standing jib crane is 4000mm under beam lifting height and 4000mm arm length with a maximum lifting capacity of 3000kg.
Wall mounted Jibs have a maximum 500kg SWL and Column Mounted models 1000kg.
It is worth pointing out that a jib arm doesn’t have to fully swing; it can also be manufactured with a limited slew or even in a Fixed Position.

What is a Swing Jib Crane?

These cranes may also be referred to as a swing Jib or slewing jib . They are a type of lifting crane which typically consists of a supporting beam or column to which a slewing / swinging jib arm/boom is attached. Together with lifting accessories such as a hoisting device and beam trolley they enable the lifting, lowering and moving of heavy loads within a specific area. The lifting area will be restricted to the reach and range of slew/rotation of the boom. These are commonly used in industrial settings, warehouses, dockyards and within the construction industry.

Benefits to using a Jib crane.

Our Bespoke Jib cranes have a hand powered, manual rotation whereby they move in an arc, up to 270 degrees. The load can also be hand traversed along the beam by means of a trolley.
However it is possible to have electric traverse movements if required by using a power drive trolley.
The hand powered/manual function uses a push and pull motion to rotate the jib arm and to move the load across the arm. The lifting and lowering of the load is usually done by means of a hoist, either manually or electrically powered. We are able to supply and fit electric hoists, as well as manual hoists, and any other lifting equipment you may need.

Jib Crane Mounting Options

There are different ways of mounting the cranes which we can manufacture. The range includes; wall mounted, column mounted or floor mounted.

Floor Mounted or Free Standing Jib Crane Models

These are our most popular models and are commonly called floor mounted or free standing swing jibs. They use very heavy duty bolts, sometimes with chemical anchors to secure them to the floor. Because of this it is essential that the floor or foundations are solid and stable and are able to take the weight of both the crane and the loads that will be lifted. In some cases the foundations may need inspecting and testing by a qualified person to assess the strength and stability.
Although floor mounting takes up some floor space the main benefit is the ability to lift heavier loads – up to 3000kg. They can also offer a wider range of slewing options as they do not commonly have walls or pillars hindering the slew.

Wall Mounted

The wall mounted Jib option is usually bolted to a brick wall. This can only be done if the wall is deemed structurally sound and capable of withstanding the load. Specialist consultation may be necessary to ensure the structures are fit for purpose. Wall mounting is usually considered for lifting lighter loads up to 500kg. Also when there is no floor space available for a floor mounted model or suitable columns available.

Column Mounted

Column mounted Swing Jib models are bolted and/or strapped to a brick column or steel support pillar within the buildings existing structure. These models take up no valuable floor space but can lift heavier weights that a wall mounted crane. In fact safe working loads of up to 1000kg are achievable with one of our column mounted slewing cranes. Structural engineers may need to be consulted to test that the structure is able to take the strain.

Jib Crane Bracing Options

The swing arm of a Jib needs additional support radiating from the fixed end. This is typically in the form of a steel brace, diagonally connecting the support column/pillar to the arm/boom.

Under Braced Jib Crane

An under braced frame work incorporates a steel support beam from the main, side column to the underside of the jib arm. This offers essential support for those heavy loads. Because the under brace is sited under the jib arm the crane can be fitted right up to roof level giving the advantage of gaining the maximum possible height of lift. A little useable arm length will be lost however as a trolley will only be able to move up to the brace, not the main pillar.

Over Braced Jib Crane

The over braced system incorporates a similar support beam, but unlike the under braced version the brace is fitted above the arm. Whilst this will lower the height of lift slightly it will maximize the travel span across the beam. Over bracing will give you maximum travel up to the upright side frames.

Jib Crane Slewing range

Although there are some Jibs which can fully rotate our own custom built swing jibs have a maximum rotation or slew of 270 degrees. This is due to the arms anchoring position which adds some restriction to the rotation. On a floor mounted pillar jib the boom attaches to the steel upright support pillar, these models can operate to the maximum 270 degrees before the pillar acts as a stop.
Column mounted models could be anything from 180 to 270 degrees depending on the size of the column it is attached to and where the natural stop position will be.
Wall mounted jibs typically have a 180 degrees slewing range, however if it is fitted close to a corner it may be able to rotate a little more.

Considerations for Choosing Your Jib Crane

Each case is different and careful consideration needs to be taken to ensure it works successfully for you. First consider the location where you need the crane. What are the suitable fitting options – floor, wall or existing column. From there you can determine which fitting type you need, and assess that there is a model with the required safe working load lifting capacity for that type.
Now decide on your bracing. For this you will probably need to measure up in its intended location to determine whether under or over bracing will suit you best. Think about how high you need to lift your loads and the total span length it needs to travel. This will help determine the size you need.
Think about the range of slew you require and ask if this is possible with your chosen type. Lastly consider any optional extras you may require such as slew stops to limit movement, electrics such as isolators and perhaps catenary wires to hold power cables.
Additional equipment should also be considered at this point. Do you need a beam trolley and hoist? Ordering all your equipment in one go from one place can save time and money.

Always adhere to LOLER guidelines. (lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations)
Get in touch if you need any help or advice.

COMMISSIONING & INSTALLING

Whatever type you choose, Lifting Gantry Direct can offer the full service, from custom building your bespoke crane to your own specifications or supplying a specialist Jib to delivering, installing and load testing your new crane to ensure it follows all safety regulations and protocols.
The stability and safety of your crane highly depends on its foundations or supports and should be assessed to ensure they can withstand the superimposed forces which will be applied by the crane and the loads it lifts. Floor foundations may need reinforcing, and column mounted cranes will need preventative measures to be taken to prevent the jib from sliding down.
Get in touch regarding our cranes for sale or if more information is needed contact us today.

Servicing, Inspecting and Maintenance Tips

Lifting Gantry Direct offers complete testing and inspection services for all your lifting equipment. This should be carried out on a 6-12 month basis.
Meanwhile here are some guidelines which will help to self-inspect your Jibs in between your regular contracted servicing.

A visual check should be done prior to each use to check for defects which may affect the safety of the crane. We have also listed the main points for using your jib safely.
You should regularly inspect the jib for;
ANY DAMAGE; CRACKED OR DISTORTED WELDS; STRUCTURAL DEFECTS; MISSING OR LOOSE BOLTS; MISSING OR DAMAGED END STOPS; DIFFICULTY IN MOVING THE BEAM TROLLEY OR SLEWING THE JIB ARM; THE TROLLEY OR JIB ARM MOVE ON THEIR OWN;I
If any of these are detected or suspected then you should not use the crane until it has been thoroughly examined by a trained professional.
You should lubricate the pivoting points on a regular basis
If the slewing action is obtained by manual gears or power drive they should be kept in good order and well lubricated.
All bolts and fixings should be frequently checked, and re-tightened if necessary.
Always check that the running surface is clean and clear of debris
Maintenance can be carried out at the same time as the additional lifting appliances used.

Safety Tips for Using Your Jib Cranes

When not in use, position the arm out of the way, so they do not present a hazard, it may be necessary to secure the arm to prevent unwanted movement, such as may occur in high winds etc.
Prior to moving the Jib arm, whether loaded or not, make sure you have a clear, unobstructed view of its travel path to ensure there will be no mishaps/crashes during manoeuvres.
Do not swing the arm, loaded or not; you should slowly push and/or pull to where required. If loaded, a rapidly slewing arm can cause the load to swing out, and so effectively increasing the radius which may not have been taken into account initially, this is dangerous and could cause injury to people or damage to objects in its path.
If you allow the trolley to crash into the end stops a similar thing happens; this will cause the load to whip outwards, and cause the same type of problem as before. Both actions also apply greater forces on the structure and mechanisms which could also have serious consequences.
Positioning the arm is important; it must be directly over the centre of gravity to ensure good stability.
Lift loads slowly to assess stability so that adjustments can be made if necessary. (test lift)
Lift AND lower loads gently to avoid potentially serious shock loading and whipping of the jibs arm.
Never allow persons to walk under a loaded crane.
Do not drag loads along the floor.
Never rest anything against the arm, such as a ladder; or climb on it.