Jib of the Crane Components and Configurations

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Workers on Jib Cranes by Factory Chimneys
Credit: pexels.com, Workers on Jib Cranes by Factory Chimneys

A jib of a crane is made up of several key components, including the slewing unit, the hoisting unit, and the counterweight. The slewing unit is responsible for rotating the jib, while the hoisting unit lifts and lowers the load.

The slewing unit typically consists of a slewing ring, a slewing motor, and a slewing gearbox. The slewing ring is a large bearing that allows the jib to rotate smoothly.

The hoisting unit, on the other hand, consists of a hoisting motor, a hoisting gearbox, and a hook block. The hoisting motor is responsible for lifting and lowering the load, while the hook block is where the load is attached.

The configuration of a jib of a crane can vary depending on the specific application and requirements. It can be a simple or complex arrangement of the slewing and hoisting units.

Crane Components

A jib crane's components are surprisingly straightforward, with fewer parts that can break down compared to other types of cranes. This makes them easier to operate and maintain.

Credit: youtube.com, DONATI Cranes - Jib cranes - manual and electrical

The main components of a jib crane include the reach, mast/pillar, movable hoist, trolley, and controls. The reach is a horizontal beam that swings back and forth on the trolley, while the mast/pillar supports the boom on freestanding or mast systems.

The trolley carries the hoist, wire rope or chain, and hook along the length of the boom, and can be manual, motorized, or pneumatically operated. Electric collector rings or pneumatic air lines can be added to the mast to provide rotation assistance and allow for continuous 360° boom rotation.

Here are the main components of a jib crane:

  • The Reach – A horizontal beam that swings back and forth on the trolley.
  • Mast/Pillar – This vertical beam supports the boom on systems with either a mast or is freestanding.
  • Movable Hoist – A hoist is a device that elevates, positions, and lowers a load.
  • Trolley – The trolley may be hand-controlled, powered, or pneumatically operated.
  • Controls – The operators of the rig can control the rotation of the boom and the movement of the trolley and lifting and lowering motion of the hoist, using a push-button controller.

Mast Type

Mast type jib cranes are a cost-effective alternative to freestanding systems because they don't require a special foundation. They need only 6” of reinforced concrete to support the crane, which is a significant advantage.

Mast type jib cranes can accommodate a wide range of spans, from 10-40 feet. This makes them suitable for various applications and workspaces.

Credit: youtube.com, all type tower crane spare parts mast section

Their capacities can reach up to 10 tons, making them a reliable choice for heavy-duty tasks. You can rely on them to handle demanding jobs.

One of the key features of mast type jib cranes is their 360° rotation capability. This allows for smooth and efficient operation in any direction.

Here are the typical specifications of mast type jib cranes:

  • 10-40’ spans
  • Capacities up to 10 tons
  • 360° rotation
  • Boom heights up to 40’ (distance from floor to overhead top support)

There are two main design options to consider: Full Cantilever and Drop Cantilever. The choice between these options depends on the presence of overhead obstructions.

For another approach, see: Cantilever Jib Crane

Crane Components

A jib crane is a simple yet effective piece of equipment, with fewer components than other types of cranes, making it easier to operate and maintain.

The main components of a jib crane are the Reach, Mast/Pillar, Movable Hoist, Trolley, and Controls. These components work together to lift, position, and lower loads with precision.

The Reach, also known as the boom, is a horizontal beam that swings back and forth on the trolley, allowing for 360 degrees of rotation on freestanding or mast jib cranes, and 180-200 degrees on wall or column-mounted cranes.

Credit: youtube.com, Parts of a Crane

The Mast/Pillar is a vertical beam that supports the boom, providing stability and support for the crane.

A Movable Hoist is a device that elevates, positions, and lowers a load, and can be powered or manual.

The Trolley is a motion device that carries the hoist, wire rope or chain, and hook along the entire length of the boom, and can be powered, manual, or pneumatic.

Electric collector rings or pneumatic air lines can be added to the top or bottom of the mast to provide rotation assistance and allow for continuous 360 degrees of boom rotation.

Controls can be used to control the rotation of the boom, as well as the motion of the trolley and the lifting and lowering motion of the hoist, with options for multi-speed or variable speed controls.

The Hook Height is the maximum height of the hook above the base level, and is an important consideration when determining the height of the crane.

A Rotation Stop can be used to limit the crane's motion before it collides with a neighboring object if the crane is near a wall or other obstruction.

Credit: youtube.com, Crane Services - Demag Cranes & Components

Here is a summary of the main components of a jib crane:

  • Reach/Boom: The horizontal beam that the trolley travels back and forth on.
  • Mast/Pillar: The vertical beam used to support the boom on freestanding and mast systems.
  • Movable Hoist: The hoist is used to lift, position, and lower a load.
  • Trolley: The motion of the trolley can be manual, motorized, or pneumatic.
  • Rotation: The degree of rotation of the boom, which can be 360 degrees or limited to 180-200 degrees.
  • Electrification/Pneumatic Power: The power source for the crane, which can include electric collector rings or pneumatic air lines.
  • Controls: The system used to control the rotation of the boom, motion of the trolley, and lifting and lowering motion of the hoist.
  • Hook Height: The maximum height of the hook above the base level.
  • Rotation Stop: A device used to limit the crane's motion before it collides with a neighboring object.

Crane Safety

A jib crane can be a safe and efficient way to move heavy loads, but only if you use it correctly. You can easily move a jib crane as your shop layout changes or grows because it's designed to be flexible.

The maximum weight capacity of a jib crane is 5 tons, making it a more affordable option than other types of cranes. This is especially important for small to medium-sized businesses that need to be mindful of their budget.

At RMH Systems, they've been helping companies work more safely and efficiently for over 80 years. Their experienced engineers are here to help you find the ideal solution for your facility.

To ensure your jib crane is safe and compliant with regulations, you'll need to have annual OSHA inspections performed. This is a service that RMH Systems offers as part of their aftermarket support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a boom the same as a jib?

A boom and a jib are not the same, but rather two distinct elements that make up a crane's boom, with the boom being the lower part and the jib being the upper part. Understanding the difference between these two components is key to grasping how cranes operate.

What is another name for a jib crane?

Another name for a jib crane is a boom crane.

What is the difference between jib and hoist?

A hoist is a general lifting device, while a jib is a specialized lifting solution that offers precise load positioning along a horizontal axis, ideal for specific applications.

Is it a crane or jib shot?

A jib shot is often referred to as a crane shot, but technically, a crane is a type of jib with a more complex mechanism. A jib is a simpler, counterweight-assisted camera lift.

Samuel Fitzgerald

Senior Writer

Samuel Fitzgerald is a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to helping people achieve their goals. With a passion for personal development and a deep understanding of human behavior, he has helped thousands of individuals and organizations around the world reach new heights of success. As an expert in leadership and team building, Samuel has worked with some of the most successful companies in the world to help them build stronger teams and achieve greater results.

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