Top Things To Know Before Buying a Floor Mounted Jib Crane

Floor jib cranes are versatile pieces of material handling equipment, and they’re often the best solution for applications within a small area.

Know how you’ll get electricity to the jib.

• If the jib crane has a powered hoist, electrical service must be supplied, and the jib crane motion must be considered.
• Base mounted jib cranes that rotate 360 degrees have a slip ring collector to facilitate rotation.
• For outdoor jibs, the electrical service must be fed from the jib’s bottom, but indoor jibs can receive electricity through either the bottom or top.
• For column mounted jibs (or any jib that rotates less than 360 degrees) a flexible power cord is required.
• For all types of jib cranes with electrical service, be sure a dedicated electrical disconnect is within reach of the operator.

Consider the cost of the concrete foundation.

• An integral part of a base-mounted jib crane is a reinforced, poured concrete foundation.
• The size of this foundation is supplied with the jib quote, and anchor bolts with the template for setting these bolts in concrete can be included with the jib crane.
• The masonry work, which includes saw cutting the concrete and excavations to the proper depth are an extra cost. This work can be provided by the jib crane supplier or a separate contractor.

Be sure to account for hook coverage.

• Column mounted jibs or 360 degrees for base mounted jibs, the distance from the center of rotation to the end of the jib boom is known as the span.
• The trolley hoist, however, will cover a distance from the inner stop to the outer stop.
• Be sure that the jib trolley hoist hook coverage reaches all areas that need service.

For jibs used outdoors, upgrades are a must.

• The standard factory finish for a jib crane is industrial enamel for indoor service.
• If the jib crane is outdoors, an upgrade to an epoxy paint system with a urethane top coat is well worth the cost.
• If the jib crane is dockside, a hot-dipped galvanized finish is the best (and most expensive).
• Locating a jib crane outdoors or in any corrosive atmosphere without the proper finish will lead to premature failure of the equipment.

Consider the strength of your building column.

• For column-mounted jib cranes, both tie rod and full cantilever, it’s extremely important that the building column is strong enough to carry the load.
• If the column is too light, deflection will occur, and this can lead to a catastrophic failure.
• Because the column will carry not only the jib crane but also the loading from the building.

Contact us for questions about standards jib cranes or specialty applications. DQCRANES supplies a variety of overhead lifting equipment, such as bridge cranes and hoists, along with related services. Contact us for more information.