A jib crane will increase work flow production by improving material handling efficiency. Giving consideration to the following parameters will help you correctly specify the jib crane required for your application.

1. Capacity

What is the maximum weight of the load to be lifted? (Generally, the lifting capacity of your jib crane will always be higher than its weight)

2. Boom Rotation

Free standing jib cranes offer up to 360° rotation and wall mounted types offer up to 180° rotation.

3. Jib Boom Outreach

The distance measured from the boom pivot point and usually stated in the following terms:

·        Boom span - the distance out to the boom tip

·        Hook reach - the distance to the farthest lifting point

4. Jib Crane Height

The distance measured from the floor and usually stated in the following terms:

·        Overall height - the distance to its highest point

·        Height under boom - which is self-explanatory

5. Under Boom Height

Distance from the floor to the underside of the boom, which will determine the type of hoist required.

6. Installation

Free standing jib cranes must be erected onto a poured concrete foundation, or, onto a substantially thick, reinforced concrete slab. The O’Brien Direct Mount Base Plate is available for the latter method.

Wall mounted jib cranes can be installed against many types of steel columns such as a wide flange beam or hollow structural tubing or even monolithic poured concrete columns and walls