Jib Cranes are versatile, overhead lifting devices, and are especially useful in work areas where floor space is at a premium. The design includes the jib itself (a horizontal arm, or boom) that is attached to a wall or a fixed support (floor mast or overhead beam). The jib supports a horizontal hoist that lifts the workload to its required height; then, the operator moves the jib to the correct position. 

Jib Crane Industrial and Commercial Applications 

Manufacturing, warehousing, construction, and maintenance and repair all utilize jib cranes in various tasks, depending on the type of task, workload, weight requirements, and facility space restrictions. At Protek Crane Solutions, we maintain a large inventory of jib cranes from SPANCO, an American manufacturer that has been building and selling jib cranes for over forty years. 

Common Types of Jib Cranes

To better understand which device is the best fit for your business, here are the more common types of jib cranes, their applications, and a possible option:

• Ceiling-Mounted Jib Cranes: Often mounted to an overhead support beam or other structural elements, these articulating cranes feature two pivot arms that allow for a wide range of motion. It makes them highly maneuverable, allowing for flexible and precise placement of loads. These are often used in lean manufacturing facilities, aerospace part assembly, electronics, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and multi-station work areas. The SPANCO 400H-14-1000 is an excellent choice for such operations.

• Freestanding Jib Cranes: These are self-supporting cranes installed on a reinforced concrete foundation, featuring a floor mast that offers 360-degree rotation. The freestanding jib cranes are the most common type and can be installed almost anywhere, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor work. They are ideal for material handling zones in extensive facilities and on shipping and receiving docks. The SPANCO 402M-16-14-500 is a robust example, with two pivot arms and a hook height of fourteen feet. 

• Mast-Style Jib Cranes: These models are mounted on a vertical mast or support column, with a cantilevered horizontal arm supported by both the floor and the ceiling. Like the freestanding models, they offer a full 360-degree rotation. Mast-style jib cranes are often used in marshaling yards and for lifting building materials on construction sites. Unlike other companies, the SPANCO 200 series of Mast-style jib cranes requires no special foundation, only a six-inch reinforced concrete floor.

• Wall-Mounted Jib Cranes: These types are attached to a structural wall or column, providing a 180-200 degree range of rotation. The design optimizes a tight workspace and does not require any floor or foundation support. Wall-mounted jib cranes are highly useful for workbench areas in repair and maintenance shops, as well as assembly lines that require repetitive movement of parts. The SPANCO Model 301-050-18 1 is a perfect choice for a start-up company with limited funds or a restricted work area.

To learn more about the SPANCO jib cranes in our inventory, including the brands and models we offer, please don't hesitate to contact Protek Crane Solutions at (855) 776-8354. You can view our inventory at our website, follow us on Facebook and X, and stay up to date with us on Instagram and Pinterest.