When exploring our website, you are going to find we talk about cranes a lot. These are one of the main pieces of machinery we believe every large warehouse-based business should have. But, today we want to focus specifically on one style of crane, that being Jib Cranes. Giving you an understanding of what they are, how they work, the different styles and the benefits. Helping you to decide whether your business truly needs one, or if it is a waste of investment money.
What Is A Jib Crane?
A jib crane is one of the many types of cranes available to warehouse business owners. This crane offers a service that many other cranes offer, that being assistance with heavy lifting. The main difference is these tend to be fixed in a set place. They can however be installed anywhere, whether this is inside a warehouse or outside in a yard, so you are not limited to where they can be, you just need to have enough space for them. The main styles are freestanding and mounted.
How Do They Work?
Each style of jib crane does work similarly. They tend to work by being manually operated. Where hooks from the crane are attached to what you are attempting to lift. These will then be pulled up manually and electrically through a motor turning and pulling the strong rope. This causes the item to be lifted and moved across the crane to the end location. Commonly, the crane will be fitted in one place, so this is most commonly used when removing items from a truck to a single location, or somewhere where you will always want items going from one set place to another. Some jib cranes do offer the ability of slight rotation, but you will not be able to easily move these items from one side of the warehouse to another.
The Different Styles
Freestanding is one of the most common styles of jib cranes seen used across many businesses. These are the ones that can be installed anywhere in your business and you are not limited to mounting requirements. These do offer the highest amount of rotation capability and the longest reach.
Mounted jib cranes are going to typically be safer due to them being permanently mounted to a fixed point. But this does mean you are limiting the amount of flexibility you have. Whilst they can still offer rotation, this is not going to be as much. Same with the length they can reach. You are going to be restricted to where they are mounted and this is going to typically be to the floor or wall of your business.
The Benefits
Of course, when you choose to invest in jib cranes, you are going to find you receive a lot of benefits no matter what style you choose. The main benefit is they are going to assist with heavy lifting. Meaning your business can become more productive as weights of up to 1000lbs can be easily moved around the warehouse.