How to Choose the Right Jib Crane for Your Facility

Choosing the right jib crane for your facility is a critical decision that impacts safety, efficiency, and your overall material handling capabilities. With so many types of jib cranes available—freestanding, wall-mounted, foundationless, portable, and articulating—it’s important to match the crane to your specific operational needs.In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting the best jib crane for your workspace.

1. Understand Your Load Requirements

The first step is determining the maximum load weight you’ll need to lift. Overloading a crane can lead to premature wear or catastrophic failure. Common capacities for jib cranes range from 500 lbs to over 5 tons.

2. Evaluate Your Available Space

Is your floor space limited? Do you have strong structural supports available?

3. Consider Mounting and Installation Needs

Each type of jib crane has different mounting requirements:

  • Floor-mounted cranes require strong slab foundations.
  • Wall-mounted options rely on structural walls or beams.

Portable base cranes offer flexibility for leased or changing spaces.

4. Factor in Rotation and Span Requirements

How much coverage area do you need?

  • Standard freestanding models offer 360° rotation.
  • Wall-mounted models typically offer 180° rotation.

Articulating jib cranes offer unmatched flexibility for navigating around obstacles.

5. Choose the Right Hoist and Trolley

Pairing your jib crane with the right manual hoist, electric hoist (single or three-phase), and push trolley ensures smooth operation. The right hoist choice depends on:

  • Load weight
  • Duty cycle (how often you’ll lift per day)
  • Power availability

Final Thoughts: Selecting the Best Jib Crane for Your Needs

The right jib crane makes your operation safer, faster, and more efficient. By carefully evaluating your space, load requirements, rotation needs, and installation limitations, you’ll ensure that your investment delivers long-term performance.

Ready to get expert advice tailored to your facility?