Purchasing resources for Jib Cranes

Jib cranes are commonly used for a wide variety of applications. Consisting of a crane with a horizontal arm along which a trolley moves, industrial jib cranes come in several types. Choosing the right commercial jib crane for your business is largely a matter of understanding jib crane specifications.

To determine which type of heavy duty jib cranes are best for your business, you'll need to pin point the exact use or usages the cranes will be needed for. Then, before you begin scoping out the websites of jib crane manufacturers, consider the following:

1. Do you need a workhorse jib crane that can be used for a wide variety of applications?

2. Do you need to cut costs by choosing lighter-weight jib cranes?

3. Do you require an industrial jib crane primarily for moving loads?

4. Will a speciality jib crane serve your purposes while saving you money?

Choose a workhorse jib crane for most applications

A structural beam jib crane is possibly the most versatile, heavy duty jib crane available. They are ideal for working beneath larger bridge cranes and are also used for dock loading, or in situations where they can be used with other jib cranes in assembly production. This type of jib crane may be floor or insert mounted.

Pick less expensive workstation jib cranes

Usually lighter than traditional jib cranes, workstation jib cranes are perfect for working in a circular area. They are also generally less expensive than structural beam jib cranes. Many may be bolted directly in place without the use of foundations.

Seek out articulating commercial jib cranes for moving loads

Articulating jib cranes are good at reaching things other jib cranes just can't. They are ideal for shifting loads around corners and columns, as well as reaching into containers or machinery. They come in freestanding, bridge mounted, wall mounted, and ceiling mounted styles.

Select foundationless jib cranes to save money

Perhaps the most useful speciality industrial jib cranes are the foundationless (also known as "no footing") type. Foundations for cranes can often cost as much as--sometimes more than!--the crane itself, so foundationless styles can cut costs considerably. They are also easier to move from location to location.

• No matter how new or well manufactured your jib cranes are, it's a good idea to inspect them regularly to prevent avoidable accidents among your work crew. OSHA provides specific guidelines for doing so.