What Is A Jib Crane?

To begin it is wise to be aware of the other names to which the Jib crane is often known as; they are; swing jib, pillar jib or slewing jib. This is a type of crane utilised for lifting and moving hefty loads and consists of the primary supporting upright steel beam with a further steel beam cantilevered out from this with a smaller under or over brace piece of steel for additional strength and stability. The vertical steel beam is attached to a stable foundation, like a wall, pillar or floor, which can take the weight of the load. The horizontal beam is termed the arm or boom and this slews through an arc of various degrees enabling simple movement of your load, this is often either manual or powered. The Jib's arm is also where other devices are attached to raise the loads, these tools could be some type of hoist and beam clamp or trolley arrangement.

Frequently additional pieces of lifting equipment are attached on to the jib arm by the use of a beam clamp or perhaps a beam trolley which can either be manually pulled over the beam or electrically driven; this allows extra movement of the load. Tools mostly used with a jib crane, include electric or manual hoists, chain blocks, or lever hoists, though there are other equipment which may also be used, for example a lifting magnet.

Now allow us to examine the actual lifting and moving of the load; firstly the lifting device selected (i.e. hoist) needs to be fixed on to the Jib arm, this must then be moved into position straight above the load to be lifted. The load will typically be harnessed in some kind of sling, either a webbing or chain sling. The lifting hoist's chain must then be lowered down so the sling around the load may be fitted, the lift may now commence, gradually to start to make sure it is evenly balanced. As soon as it is secure and clear of the ground the load may be moved along the jib arm if necessary and then the arm swung to its required position.

 So that is the “what” and “how” are they questions clarified, now allow us to consider the where, why and benefits questions.

Jib cranes are utilized across a huge number of places, from vehicle garages to dockyards; construction sites to warehouses, they may even be present in smaller models on the rear of trucks for loading and unloading. Jib cranes are suitable for many places due to the fact that they take up minimal space, in spite of this they do require a particular amount of headroom to allow for the height of the Jib and also space for the jib arm to turn freely. Jib cranes will be made with under bracing or else over bracing to the jib arm, under bracing gives extra room on top of the jib’s arm, where over bracing  supplies further space below the jib arm allowing more movement for the load to be moved across the beam.

Utilizing a Jib crane possesses many advantages, not only do they require little space but primarily they offer a much faster and safer means of lifting and manoeuvring objects; they also reduce the likelyhood of personal injury caused by lifting loads that are just too heavy, the jib crane does the hard work for you. This in turn can save outlay by allowing the task to be fulfilled faster, and by reducing time off for injuries and all the implications that may develop from them.

In conclusion, a jib crane is a tough, versatile and cost efficient method of lifting and moving your objects in most areas.