Home > Jib Crane Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What are the primary points to consider in selecting a Jib Crane?

A:  Considerations for selecting a Jib Crane:

Analysis must be performed to determine how the crane will affect the efficiency of the work area and how it will be used in daily operation.  The following are the most important considerations when selecting a crane:

  • The type and extent of the structural support available
    • Floor Mount
    • Wall Mount
    • Ceiling Mount
  • Current and anticipated requirements for powered operation of the hoist or crane
    • Motorized or Hand operated lift
    • Motorized or Hand operated trolley
    • Motorized or Hand operated rotation
  • The characteristics and design of each crane type
    • Wall Mount Type
      • Tie Rod type Jib Crane
      • Cantilever type Jib Crane
      • Articulating type Jib Crane
    • Floor Mount
      • Free Standing
      • Mast type Jib Crane
      • Free Standing Articulating
  • The overall height and height under boom offered, plus
    • Remember, hoist vertical dimension
    • Remember, rigging vertical dimension (sling, chain, ect.)
  • Rotation interference
    • Electrical and air lines
    • Machinery

Q:  What are the "extras", above and beyond the cost of the Jib Crane?

A:  The relative cost of each of each Jib Crane, plus

  • Remember, anchors
  • Remember, cement footing
  • Remember, rotation stops (if needed)
  • Remember, tagline electrification, collector rings and disconnect (disconnect required by OSHA)
  • Remember, bring power to the Jib Crane

B:  The overall cost of installation

  • Ironworkers/Riggers
  • Mobile Crane/Lift Truck
  • Electrician

Q:  What are the OSHA inspection requirements of a Jib Crane?

Click to download - OSHA Inspections for Jib Cranes PDF

OSHA Inspections for Jib Cranes

Per OSHA Regulations 1910.179 all gantry cranes/jibs should have an:

1910.179(j)(1)(i) Initial inspection - Prior to initial use all new and altered cranes shall be inspected to insure compliance.

Besides that, for gantry cranes in regular service, there are two general classifications of inspections based upon the intervals at which the inspection should be performed. The intervals in turn are dependent upon the nature of the critical components of the crane and the degree of their exposure to wear, deterioration, or malfunction. The two general classifications are herein designated as "frequent" and "periodic" with respective intervals between inspections as defined below:

1910.179(j)(1)(ii)(a) Frequent inspection - Daily to monthly intervals.

1910.179(j)(1)(ii)(b) Periodic inspection - 1 to 12 month intervals.

1910.179(j)(2) Frequent Inspection
The following items shall be inspected for defects at intervals as defined above or as specifically indicated, including observation during operation for any defects which might appear between regular inspections. All deficiencies such as listed shall be carefully examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a safety hazard:

  • All functional operating mechanisms for maladjustment interfering with proper operation. Daily.
  • Hooks with deformation or cracks. Visual inspection daily; monthly inspection with a certification record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and the serial number, or other identifier, of the hook inspected.  
  • Hoist chains, including end connections, for excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function, or stretch beyond manufacturer's recommendations. Visual inspection daily; monthly inspection with a certification record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and an identifier of the chain which was inspected.
  • All functional operating mechanisms for excessive wear of components.
  • Rope reeving for noncompliance with manufacturer's recommendation.

1910.179(j)(3) Periodic Inspection
Complete inspections of the crane shall be performed at intervals as generally defined above, depending upon its activity, severity of service, and environment, or as specifically indicated below. These inspections shall include the requirements of the frequent inspection stated above and in addition, the following items. All deficiencies such as listed shall be carefully examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a safety hazard:

  • Deformed, cracked, or corroded members.
  • Loose bolts or rivets.
  • Cracked or worn sheaves and drums.
  • Worn, cracked or distorted parts such as pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers, locking and clamping devices.
  • Excessive wear on brake system parts, linings, pawls, and ratchets.
  • Load, wind, and other indicators over their full range, for any significant inaccuracies.
  • Gasoline, diesel, electric, or other powerplants for improper performance or noncompliance with applicable safety
  • requirements. (IF APPLICABLE)
  • EExcessive wear of chain drive sprockets and excessive chain stretch.

Q:  Compare the types of Jib Cranes

A:  Quick Comparison between different types of Jib Cranes:

The following is meant to provide you with a brief overview of the differences between the Free Standing Series (FS300, FS350, FS350S), the Wall Bracket Series (WB100), the Wall Cantilever Series (WC200), and the Mast Type Series (MT400 & MT450) jib cranes. This page does not explain the full detail and advantages of each type; therefore, a thorough reading of each jib crane section is strongly recommended.

Ability to be Relocated: The mast of the FS350 is permanently embedded into its foundation, and thus is not able to be easily relocated after installation. The FS350S has only a permanently embedded sleeve. The other types of jib cranes can be easily relocated, since they just bolt to their supporting structures.

Installation Costs & Time: The Free Standing Series requires a steel-reinforced foundation with concrete pours, and thus typically has the most expensive installation costs and the longest overall installation time. The FS350 and FS350S require two concrete pours.

Material Costs: The Wall Bracket jib crane is typically the least expensive of the jib crane types, because it requires only a tie rod instead of a full mast for support. (Less steel = less cost.)

Maximum HUB: The Wall Cantilever, Free Standing, and Mast Type full cantilever jib cranes all offer a maximum Height Under Boom. The Wall Bracket jib offers the least amount of HUB due to the location of its tie rod. (The tie rod takes up significant space above the boom).

Thrust & Pull: The Free Standing series exerts force only on its foundation (floor), since it is not connected to any other structure. The Mast Type jib exerts the least amount of thrust & pull on its structure compared to the Wall Bracket or Wall Cantilever jib cranes, since most of its forces are supported vertically by the mast. The Wall Bracket and Wall Cantilever jibs exert very significant thrust and pull forces on their supporting structures. (Specific thrust & pull calculations can be found in the pricing section for each crane type.)

Note: A qualified engineer or architect should be consulted to determine structural adequacy before installation of any jib crane. Responsibility for determining if a structurally adequate wall, column, or truss is available rests entirely on the customer.

Work Area Around the Mast: The FS350, FS350S, and Mast Type cranes offer maximum work area space around the mast. The FS300 has gussets around its mast that may interfere with work area space (especially with larger capacities). The Wall Cantilever and Wall Bracket cranes lack a mast, but need to be mounted to a wall or column that may or may not interfere with the work area space.

Q:  Why is a Jib Crane the right piece of equipment?

A:  Why Jib Cranes vs. other types of Cranes?

  • Jib Cranes are low cost investments
  • Jib Cranes require  virtually no maintenance
  • Jib Cranes are standardized, off the shelf and quick delivery products
  • Jib Cranes are easy, and inexpensive to installation
  • Jib Cranes are easily movable (take it with you, when you move or when your needs change)