Lifting Gear in Smaller Spaces: a Jib Crane for the Job
Lifting, loading and moving goods around in a smaller space can be a fundamental challenge. There are few good solutions; jib cranes are by far the best answer to solving this age-old problem. They are highly versatile and often bespoke (at the very least they will usually make use of bespoke elements in their construction). This means that a jib crane can be found for basically any environment, to carry out any kind of lifting, in a space of any size.
Jib cranes are more adaptable and versatile than other types of cranes, primarily overhead cranes which tend to be used for moving uniform loads in a similar manner each time. While overhead cranes might be used in outdoor applications, or indoor applications in larger spaces, jib cranes are better suited to internal use where they can be put to work lifting, loading a moving anything required, in spaces of no set size. They can also carry out different types of lifts and can move in different ways, so the lifting processes do not need to be exactly the same every single time.
What is a jib crane, how is it constructed, and why does this make it more suitable for use in confined spaces?
A jib crane is generally able to be more compact in its construction than a gantry or overhead crane. There are also different types of jib cranes which can be mounted in different ways; they might be wall mounted, or mounted in another more versatile way that suits their environments and the requirements there are. There are also under and over braced freestanding jib cranes of various specifications. In general, jib cranes can cover spans and radiuses to suit any purpose, and they can lift loads up to around 5 Tonnes as standard.
One of the key factors that makes a jib crane more versatile and better suited to smaller spaces is the fact that they can be bespoke. This allows the business or organisation ordering the jib to specify it in full, from the radius it will cover, to the size, to various aspects of the crane’s functionality. Cranes can be designed and built to fit into smaller spaces, and to fit into low headroom environments as well, operating from a standing position or from a different kind of mounting – whatever is more beneficial for lifting.
Specialist jib crane suppliers can advise on the best solutions and can manufacture bespoke jib cranes based on the needs of the customer. Most specialist companies should be expected to have several years of experience at least within the crane industry, so they will be familiar with the various reasons why a customer might need a jib crane, and can help find solutions to ensure they operate in tight spaces and low headroom environments. All cranes will come with required paperwork and certifications. They can also offer services like crane operator training and servicing for jib cranes in the future, which is something that will need to be done on a regular schedule.