To begin it is sensible to make a note of the additional names to which the Jib crane is also known as; they may be; swing jib, pillar jib or slewing jib. This is a form of crane used for lifting and also moving large loads and consists of the primary supporting upright steel beam with an additional steel beam cantilevered out from this with a smaller under or over brace piece of steel for extra strength and stability. The vertical steel beam is anchored to a stable foundation, such as a wall, pillar or floor, which can take the weight of the load. The horizontal beam is known as the arm or boom and this slews through an arc of varied degrees enabling simple movement of your load, this is often either manual or powered. The Jib's arm is also where other tools are attached to lift the loads, these devices could be some type of hoist and beam clamp or trolley system.

Regularly additional tools are attached on to the jib arm by the installation of a beam clamp or perhaps a beam trolley which can either be manually pulled over the beam or electrically driven; this permits further movement of the load. Devices most commonly used along with a jib crane, include electric or manual hoists, chain blocks, or lever hoists, however there are more tools which can also be used, for example a lifting magnet.

Now allow us to have a look at the actual lifting and moving of the load; first of all the lifting device selected (i.e. hoist) should be fixed to the Jib arm, this must then be moved into place directly over the load that is to be lifted. The load will typically be harnessed in some type of sling, either a webbing or chain sling. The lifting hoist's chain must then be lowered down so the sling round the load can be attached, the lift may now commence, gradually to begin to ensure it is evenly balanced. Once secure and clear of the floor the load may be moved along the jib arm if required and then the arm slewed to its required location.

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

There are numerous places where a Jib crane is able to be utilised, they are frequently observed in large warehouses and dockyards to assist in loading and unloading ships and pallets etc. They are used in many manufacturing factories for lifting and manoeuvering large equipment and also for restoration work and servicing. Some large trucks and lorries encompass small jib type cranes on the back to aid unloading. A jib crane uses up minimal or no floor space and thus are suitable for places where space is at a premium, they will require good head room though, so that they can turn freely, by choosing an underbraced jib arm you will get extra room above, and if you pick an overbraced jib you will acquire more room underneath the jib arm.

Using a Jib crane possesses several benefits, not only do they take up little space but primarily they offer a much quicker and safer means of lifting and moving loads; they also reduce the likelyhood of personal injury brought on by lifting loads that are simply too weighty, the jib crane does it for you. This in turn can save overheads by enabling the task to be completed swifter, and by reducing time off for accidents and all the implications that can occur from them.

So as you can see, together with the wide choice of choices and accessories available, the Jib crane is a massively versatile lifting piece of equipment, suitable for scores of lifting and moving applications in the majority of areas.