How to Choose the Right Jib Crane for Repetitive Lifting
How to Choose the Right Jib Crane for Repetitive Lifting
When the same lifting task is carried out dozens or even hundreds of times a day, the right jib crane can make a significant difference to productivity, load positioning and the way a workstation is used.
Jib cranes provide a dedicated lifting point close to where loads are handled, reducing the need for manual handling and making repetitive lifting tasks quicker and more controlled. However, choosing the right crane is about more than simply selecting a lifting capacity.
The crane type, working radius, duty cycle, lifting height, rotation, mounting arrangement and hoist all need to work together as part of the overall lifting system.
How Do You Choose a Jib Crane?
Choosing a jib crane starts with the application rather than the crane itself. The key factors are:
- Maximum and typical load
- Required working radius and boom length
- Lifting height and available headroom
- Frequency of use and duty cycle
- Required rotation and working area
- Available floor space
- Mounting arrangement and supporting structure
- Operating environment
- Type of hoist required
For repetitive lifting, duty cycle is particularly important. A crane used occasionally for maintenance may require a very different specification from one loading and unloading a CNC machine throughout the working day.
The crane, hoist and installation arrangement should therefore be considered as one complete lifting system.
Why Use a Jib Crane for Repetitive Lifting?
Jib cranes are well suited to repetitive lifting because they provide a dedicated lifting point directly within the working area.
Rather than repeatedly moving loads manually or positioning them using larger overhead equipment, a jib crane can be installed close to the workstation, machine or production area where lifting takes place.
Depending on the application, a jib crane can help to:
- Reduce manual handling
- Improve load positioning
- Speed up repetitive lifting tasks
- Make better use of available workspace
- Provide a dedicated lifting solution for machinery and workstations
- Reduce unnecessary movement between lifting and handling areas
The most suitable configuration will depend on the available space, the load and how frequently the crane will be used.
Types of Jib Crane
Different jib crane configurations suit different workplaces and applications.
| Jib crane type | Typical applications | Main advantage | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted | CNC machines, workstations, maintenance areas | Saves floor space | Supporting structure and fixing arrangement |
| Floor-mounted / column | Production areas, workshops, lifting stations | Independent support | Foundation and floor fixing |
| Articulated | Machinery, CNC loading, restricted areas | Greater manoeuvrability | Working envelope and clearances |
| Wall-travelling | Production lines, multiple workstations | Covers a larger working area | Building layout and travel arrangement |
Wall-Mounted Jib CranesWall-mounted jib cranes are fixed directly to a suitable building structure, rather than requiring their own floor-mounted column. They can be a good option where floor space is limited or where the crane needs to be positioned alongside a machine or workstation. The available building structure and fixing arrangement need to be considered carefully before selecting this type of crane. Suitable for: CNC machines, workstations, maintenance areas and applications where floor space is restricted. |
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Floor-Mounted and Column Jib CranesFloor-mounted or pillar jib cranes are supported by their own column and foundation arrangement. They can provide a dedicated lifting station and are often suitable where a crane needs to operate independently of the building structure. They are particularly useful where there is a central workstation or production area that requires lifting coverage. Suitable for: production areas, assembly stations, workshops and heavier-duty applications. |
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Articulated Jib CranesArticulated jib cranes use a two-part boom arrangement, allowing the arm to move around obstacles and into areas that may be difficult to reach with a conventional straight boom. This can be particularly useful around machinery, where the lifting point is not directly in front of the crane. Suitable for: CNC machine loading, enclosed areas, machinery with restricted access and workstations where manoeuvrability is important. |
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Wall-Travelling Jib CranesWall-travelling jib cranes combine a jib crane with a travelling arrangement, allowing the lifting point to move along a defined section of the building. This can provide greater coverage where several workstations or lifting areas are positioned along the same production line.
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How to Choose the Right Jib Crane
1. Lifting Capacity
Start with the load.
Determine the maximum load the crane will need to lift, but also consider the typical load and how often it will be handled.
The crane capacity needs to take into account the complete lifting arrangement, including the hoist and lifting accessories. The required capacity can also affect the boom length, mounting arrangement and overall crane specification.
For example, a crane handling a 500 kg load occasionally may have very different requirements from one handling a similar load repeatedly throughout a working shift.
2. Duty Cycle and Frequency of Use
How often will the crane operate?
A jib crane used for occasional maintenance has different operating requirements from one used continuously on a production line.
Consider:
- Number of lifts per hour
- Hours of operation
- Typical load weight
- Maximum load weight
- Frequency of starting and stopping
- Required lifting and lowering speed
For repetitive applications, the duty cycle should be considered early in the specification process rather than treated as an afterthought.
3. Working Radius and Boom Length
The working radius determines how far the hook needs to reach from the crane’s mounting point.
Measure the distance between the crane and the area where loads need to be picked up and placed down.
A longer boom provides greater reach, but the crane must be designed for the loads being handled at that radius. The required working radius should therefore be considered alongside the lifting capacity and mounting arrangement.
4. Rotation and Slew Range
Consider how far the crane needs to rotate to cover the working area.
Depending on the design and application, jib cranes can provide different degrees of rotation. The required slew range should allow the operator to move loads between the necessary pick-up and drop-off points without creating unnecessary movement.
For a workstation positioned directly in front of the crane, a limited rotation may be sufficient. Applications requiring access across a larger working area may benefit from a greater slew range.
5. Available Headroom and Lifting Height
Available headroom can have a significant impact on the crane specification.
Consider:
- Building height
- Existing beams and structures
- Required hook height
- Load height
- Hoist dimensions
- Boom position
- Obstructions above the working area
The crane needs to provide sufficient lifting height without interfering with the surrounding building structure or equipment.
6. Mounting Arrangement and Building Structure
The way the jib crane is supported is an important part of the specification.
Wall-mounted cranes rely on a suitable supporting structure, while floor-mounted cranes require an appropriate foundation or fixing arrangement.
Before selecting the crane, consider:
- Wall or column construction
- Floor condition
- Foundation requirements
- Available fixing points
- Crane capacity
- Working radius
- Intended operating pattern
Where the installation involves existing building structures or unusual loading conditions, the supporting arrangement may need to be assessed before the crane is specified.
7. Choosing the Right Hoist
The hoist should be selected alongside the crane rather than treated as a separate purchase.
Electric Chain HoistsElectric chain hoists are well suited to frequent or repetitive lifting where the operator needs controlled and consistent lifting. They are commonly used on production lines, machinery loading applications and dedicated lifting stations. |
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Manual Chain HoistsManual chain hoists can be a practical choice for lighter-duty or less frequent lifting where powered operation is not required. They can also provide a simple lifting solution where the crane is used intermittently. |
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Pneumatic HoistsPneumatic hoists can be considered for specialist applications where compressed air is available or where the operating environment makes pneumatic equipment more suitable. |
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8. Operating Environment
The environment in which the jib crane operates can also affect the specification.
Consider whether the crane will be used:
- Indoors or outdoors
- In high or low temperatures
- In dusty environments
- In areas exposed to moisture
- In corrosive environments
- In washdown areas
- In other specialist operating conditions
The environment should be considered alongside the crane, hoist and associated components to ensure the complete system is appropriate for the application.
Need Help Selecting a Jib Crane?
Choosing the right jib crane isn’t simply about selecting a capacity from a product list. The correct solution depends on how the crane will be installed and used.
Our team can help you work through the required capacity, working radius, lifting height, duty cycle, mounting arrangement and hoist to identify a suitable solution.
Jib Crane Selection by Application
The application itself can help determine which jib crane configuration is most suitable.
CNC Machine Loading
CNC machines often require regular loading and unloading of heavy or awkward components. A jib crane positioned close to the machine can provide a dedicated lifting point while keeping the surrounding workspace clear.
Central Workstations
A jib crane can provide lifting capability around a central workstation without requiring a larger overhead crane system.
The required radius and rotation should be selected to cover the working area without creating unnecessary movement.
Restricted or Enclosed Areas
Where space is limited, an articulated or wall-mounted jib crane may provide greater flexibility than a conventional floor-mounted arrangement.
The crane should be specified around the available clearances and the actual movement required.
Production Lines
For repetitive production lifting, factors such as duty cycle, lifting speed and working coverage become particularly important.
Where multiple workstations need to be served, a wall-travelling or other extended-coverage arrangement may be worth considering.
Jib Crane, Hoist and Installation: Think About the Complete System
A jib crane should not be specified in isolation.
The crane, hoist, lifting accessories, mounting arrangement and installation all need to work together.
For example, increasing the working radius can affect the crane structure and mounting requirements, while choosing a faster electric hoist may be more appropriate for repetitive lifting than a manual hoist.
Considering the complete system from the beginning helps avoid specifying equipment that is unsuitable for the actual application.
Jib Crane Design, Installation and Ongoing Support
Not every lifting application can be solved with an off-the-shelf crane.
Where standard equipment does not meet the available space, required capacity or working envelope, a jib crane can be designed or configured around the application.
Our team can support the process from initial requirements and design through to installation and ongoing inspection and maintenance.
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Jib Crane Selection Checklist
Before specifying a jib crane, establish:
- Maximum load: What is the heaviest load?
- Typical load: What is normally being lifted?
- Working radius: How far must the hook reach?
- Lifting height: What hook height is required?
- Duty cycle: How frequently will the crane operate?
- Rotation: How much of the working area needs to be covered?
- Mounting: Wall-mounted, floor-mounted, column or other arrangement?
- Hoist: Manual, electric or pneumatic?
- Environment: Indoor, outdoor, corrosive or specialist?
- Application: What will the crane actually be used for?
Having this information available makes it much easier to identify the right crane configuration.
Jib Crane Specialists in Sheffield and Manchester
With lifting equipment teams in Sheffield and Manchester, we can support customers with jib crane selection, design, manufacture, installation and ongoing inspection requirements.
Whether you need a standard jib crane for a workshop or a solution designed around a specific production process, our team can help identify the most suitable approach.
Contact Our Lifting Equipment Team