01 Sep 2025
JIB CRANES EXPLAINED: BENEFITS, USES & INSTALLATION TIPS
Let’s start with a simple question: What is a jib crane, and why are they such a popular choice for material handling in warehouses, workshops, and manufacturing plants?
A jib crane is a versatile lifting solution designed to move, position, and handle heavy loads within a defined work area. Unlike larger overhead cranes or bulky gantry cranes, jib cranes are compact, cost-effective, and ideal for repetitive, localised lifting tasks. With a simple design that includes a horizontal jib (or boom), a hoist, and a rotation system, they provide reliable lifting support while saving space on the shop floor.
Businesses rely on jib cranes because they significantly improve productivity, reduce manual handling risks, and adapt easily to different environments. From workshops and repair garages to distribution centers and construction sites, jib cranes streamline workflows, boost efficiency, and enhance workplace safety.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about jib cranes, including:
- The basics of how jib cranes work
- A breakdown of jib crane components
- Different types of jib cranes and where they are commonly used
- Key benefits of jib cranes compared to other lifting equipment
- Practical jib crane installation tips
- Ongoing maintenance and safety practices to keep them running efficiently
This guide is part of our upcoming Jib Crane Series, which also covers:
- Types of jib cranes & how to choose the right one for your business
- How to properly inspect and maintain a jib crane
By the end of this blog, you’ll understand why a swing arm crane could be the best lifting solution for your workplace and how to get the most from it.
JIB CRANE BASICS
A jib crane is a type of lifting device designed to move and position loads within a specific radius. It consists of a horizontal arm, called the jib or boom, that supports a hoist and trolley. The arm can typically rotate - sometimes up to 360° depending on the design -allowing operators to lift, lower, and swing loads smoothly within the crane’s working area.
jib cranes are compact, versatile, and space-saving
Unlike overhead cranes or gantry cranes, which cover larger spaces and require significant infrastructure, jib cranes are compact, versatile, and space-saving. They are often mounted to a wall, column, or freestanding base, making them ideal for localised lifting tasks without taking up valuable floor space. This flexibility makes them one of the most cost-effective options for improving material handling efficiency.
By combining strength with flexibility, jib cranes are a go-to solution across industries where precise, repetitive lifting is required.
COMPONENTS OF A SWING JIB
Jib Arm / Boom
The horizontal beam that extends from the mast or wall. It carries the hoist and trolley, enabling loads to be moved in and out within the crane’s working radius.
Mast / Pillar / Column
The vertical support structure that anchors the crane. It provides stability and strength, ensuring the jib arm and hoist can operate safely.
Hoist & Trolley
- Hoist: The lifting device that raises and lowers the load.
- Trolley: Runs along the jib arm, moving the hoist closer or farther from the mast for precise load positioning.
Rotation Mechanism
Allows the jib arm to swing around the mast or wall mount. Depending on the type of crane, rotation can range from 180° to a full 360°.
Base / Foundation
The structural support that secures the crane to the floor or wall. For freestanding cranes, the foundation must be engineered to handle heavy loads and resist tipping.
Power Options
Jib cranes can be powered in different ways:
- Manual: Hand-operated, low-cost, ideal for light loads.
- Electric: Powered hoists and trolleys for faster, more efficient lifting.
- Pneumatic (Air-Powered): Used in environments where electricity isn’t suitable, e.g., explosive or hazardous atmospheres.
POWER OPTIONS COMPARISON
| Power Type | Best For | Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual | Light loads, small workshops | Low cost, minimal upkeep | Slower, requires manual effort |
| Electric | Warehouses, high-volume handling | Fast, efficient, reduces fatigue | Needs power, higher cost |
| Pneumatic | Hazardous/explosive sites | Safe in flammable atmospheres | Requires air supply, less common |
TYPES OF JIB CRANES
Not all jib cranes are the same - each type is designed to suit specific spaces, load requirements, and working conditions. Choosing the right style is essential to maximise efficiency and safety. Below we break down the five most common types of jib cranes, their features, and where they are best used.
1. Freestanding Jib Cranes
A freestanding jib crane is the most versatile option, supported by a concrete foundation that allows 360° rotation. Because it doesn’t rely on building support, it can be installed virtually anywhere. These cranes are ideal for heavy-duty and high-cycle lifting in workshops, warehouses, and production lines.
👉 View our freestanding jib cranes.
2. Wall-Mounted Jib Cranes
Wall-mounted jib cranes are fixed directly to a wall or structural support, making them perfect for smaller facilities with limited floor space. They provide a rotation range of up to 200° and are typically used for lifting tasks along workbenches, assembly stations, or production cells.
👉 Shop our wall-mounted jib cranes
3. Column-Bracket Jib Cranes
The wall-bracket jib crane is one of the most economical designs. It uses two wall or column-mounted brackets to support the jib, eliminating the need for a full column or baseplate. They are best for lighter loads and repetitive tasks where cost efficiency is important.
👉 Buy column-mounted jib cranes
4. Mast-Type Jib Cranes
A mast-type jib crane is a hybrid design, supported at both the floor and the building’s overhead structure. This gives it the strength and stability of a freestanding crane but with less foundation work required. They are commonly used in facilities where overhead space allows for added structural support.
5. Articulating Jib Cranes
An articulating jib crane features a two-piece boom with a pivot point in the middle, allowing it to reach around obstacles or into hard-to-access areas. They are particularly useful in workshops with tight layouts or where precision handling is required, such as assembly lines or maintenance bays.
💡 Tip: When planning your next purchase, consider not just the load capacity but also your available floor space, wall strength, and the working radius required. Our upcoming blog, How to Choose the Right Jib Crane, will guide you step by step through that decision.
QUICK COMPARISON GUIDE
| Type | Support Structure | Rotation Range | Best For | Key Benefits | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Jib Crane | Anchored to a concrete foundation, fully independent. | Up to 360° | Heavy-duty lifting, high-cycle operations, open floor areas. | Maximum versatility, can be placed anywhere, handles higher loads. | Requires substantial foundation work, higher cost. |
| Wall-Mounted Jib Crane | Mounted directly to a building wall or column. | Up to 200° | Workstations, production lines, facilities with limited floor space. | Space-saving, efficient for repetitive localized tasks. | Limited rotation, relies on building support structure. |
| Wall-Bracket Jib Crane | Supported by two wall or column brackets. | Up to 200° | Light-duty, low-cost lifting tasks in smaller areas. | Economical, minimal floor obstruction. | Lower load capacity, restricted to lighter applications. |
| Mast-Type Jib Crane | Supported by both floor and overhead building structure. | Up to 360° | Facilities with overhead support available. | Strong and stable, less foundation work than freestanding cranes. | Needs strong building structure, not suitable for all sites. |
| Articulating Jib Crane | Pivoting two-piece boom mounted to floor, wall, or column. | Varies (flexible reach around obstacles). | Tight spaces, assembly areas, maintenance bays. | Flexible movement, can reach into hard-to-access areas. | Lower capacity than freestanding designs, more complex movement. |
COMMON ENVIRONMENTS & APPLICATIONS
One of the biggest advantages of jib cranes is their adaptability. Whether indoors or outdoors, they can be tailored to suit a wide range of industries and lifting needs. Here are some of the most common environments where jib cranes are used:
- Warehouses & Distribution Centers: Ideal for loading and unloading pallets or goods, jib cranes streamline material flow, reducing forklift reliance and improving efficiency in busy logistics hubs.
- Manufacturing Plants: Used along assembly lines and machining areas, jib cranes make it easier to position parts, tools, or finished products with precision, speeding up production and reducing manual strain.
- Workshops & Garages: From vehicle repairs to lifting heavy equipment, jib cranes are perfect for smaller spaces where reliable, localized lifting is required.
- Construction Sites: Compact enough for confined or temporary work areas, jib cranes are a practical solution for handling building materials such as steel, concrete, or prefabricated components.
- Marine & Shipping: Commonly found dockside or onboard vessels, jib cranes assist with lifting cargo, engines, and supplies, providing robust support in challenging, heavy-duty environments.
Because they can be configured to different spaces and tasks, jib cranes are a cost-effective choice across industries where safe, repetitive lifting is a daily requirement.
Jib cranes deliver lower costs, higher safety, and increased productivity, making them one of the most practical investments in material handling
BENEFITS OF JIB CRANES
Investing in a jib crane can transform day-to-day operations by improving efficiency, reducing risks, and lowering long-term costs. Compared with larger systems like overhead or gantry cranes, jib cranes provide targeted lifting support without the same footprint or financial outlay. Below are the key benefits - backed by industry insights.
1. Cost-Effective Compared to Larger Lifting Equipment
A freestanding jib crane can cost up to 60% less to install than a full overhead crane system, depending on load capacity and site requirements. With fewer structural modifications needed, businesses save on both initial investment and long-term ownership costs. For SMEs, this makes jib cranes one of the most affordable ways to introduce mechanised lifting.
2. Space-Saving and Flexible in Tight Work Areas
Because jib cranes are mounted to walls, columns, or compact foundations, they free up valuable floor space. Unlike forklifts or gantries, they don’t require wide aisles or large overhead clearance. This makes them particularly effective in workshops, assembly cells, or confined production areas where space efficiency directly impacts throughput.
3. Increased Efficiency and Productivity
Jib cranes can significantly reduce handling times. Studies in manufacturing environments show that introducing workstation cranes like jibs can cut material handling time by up to 30% compared with manual or forklift-based movement. This means faster workflows, less downtime, and higher output across assembly and distribution lines.
4. Improved Safety and Reduced Manual Handling
Manual lifting is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries - accounting for over 20% of non-fatal injuries in manufacturing and warehousing (HSE data, UK). By automating repetitive lifting tasks, jib cranes lower strain on operators, reduce accident risks, and ensure safer handling of heavy or awkward loads.
5. Easy Integration with Other Lifting Systems
Jib cranes can be integrated alongside bridge cranes, gantry cranes, or monorail systems, extending lifting coverage across an entire facility. For example, they can manage smaller, repetitive tasks at workstations while overhead cranes handle bulk material movement -creating a seamless material handling network.
6. Durable and Low-Maintenance Design
Built with fewer moving parts than larger lifting systems, jib cranes are highly durable and cost-efficient to maintain. Routine inspections typically focus on the hoist, rotation mechanism, and foundation bolts, with minimal downtime required. With proper care, many jib cranes remain in service for 20+ years, delivering excellent ROI.
👉 In summary: Jib cranes deliver lower costs, higher safety, and increased productivity, making them one of the most practical investments in material handling. Their adaptability means they fit into almost any workflow, from small workshops to large-scale manufacturing facilities.
COMPARISON CHART: JIB CRANES vs OVERHEAD CRANE vs FORKLIFT
| Factor | Jib Cranes | Overhead Cranes | Forklifts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | ★ Low – typically 40–60% cheaper than overhead cranes. | ★★★ High – expensive installation and building modifications. | ★★ Moderate – upfront purchase cost, plus licensing/training. |
| Space Efficiency | ★★★ Very space-saving – wall/floor mounted, minimal footprint. | ★★ Requires large overhead space and structural support. | ★ Low – requires wide aisles and large turning radius. |
| Load Handling | ★★ Medium – ideal for 0.25–5 tonnes localized loads. | ★★★ High – handles very heavy loads over large areas. | ★ Medium – good for palletized goods up to 5 tonnes. |
| Productivity Impact | ★★★ Increases workstation efficiency by up to 30% (localized tasks). | ★★★ Excellent for facility-wide handling. | ★★ Flexible, but less efficient for repetitive, fixed-point lifting. |
| Safety Benefits | ★★★ Reduces manual handling risks; stable, fixed path reduces accidents. | ★★★ Safer for bulk loads but requires skilled operators. | ★★ Accident risk higher – tipping, collisions, operator fatigue. |
| Maintenance | ★★★ Low – simple design, minimal moving parts. | ★★ Medium – requires frequent inspection & service. | ★★ Medium – regular servicing, fuel/battery upkeep. |
| Integration | ★★★ Easy to combine with overhead/gantry systems. | ★★ Primarily standalone but can cover full facility. | ★ Low – independent vehicles, no fixed integration. |
Key Takeaway
- Jib Cranes = Best for localised, repetitive lifting at lower cost and footprint.
- Overhead Cranes = Best for heavy, facility-wide loads, but higher cost and space needs.
- Forklifts = Best for palletised goods and flexible movement, but less efficient for repetitive lifts.
WHY CHOOSE A JIB CRANE OVER OTHER LIFTING EQUIPMENT?
When it comes to material handling, businesses often weigh up overhead cranes, gantry cranes, forklifts, and jib cranes. Each has its place - but for localised, repetitive lifting, a jib crane is often the smarter choice.
- Comparison with Other Equipment:
- Overhead Cranes: Excellent for facility-wide heavy lifting, but costly and space-intensive.
- Gantry Cranes: Portable, but require large floor areas and more setup.
- Forklifts: Flexible, but less efficient for fixed-point, repetitive lifts and carry higher accident risk.
- Where Jib Cranes Win:
- Perfect for small-to-medium load handling (typically up to 5 tonnes).
- Lower installation and operating costs than larger systems.
- Compact, space-saving, and ideal for workstation lifting where precision is key.
- Boosts efficiency for repetitive, localized tasks without requiring a major infrastructure investment.
👉 In short: If you need a reliable, cost-effective lifting solution for specific work areas, a jib crane outperforms bulkier alternatives.
INSTALLATION TIPS
Getting a jib crane up and running requires more than just bolting it to the floor. A proper installation considers floor load capacity, foundation design, crane positioning, and power supply needs. The right setup not only improves efficiency but also ensures the crane operates safely for years to come. Working with qualified engineers and installers is strongly recommended to avoid costly mistakes.
👉 In the next article of this series, we’ll cover step-by-step jib crane installation tips, from site assessment to final testing.
A jib crane is built for long service life, but like any lifting equipment, it needs routine care
MAINTENANCE TIPS
A jib crane is built for long service life, but like any lifting equipment, it needs routine care. Regular inspections of bolts, welds, and hoists, timely lubrication, and proper record keeping all play a role in keeping your crane safe and compliant. Proactive maintenance also reduces downtime and extends the crane’s lifespan, saving money in the long run.
👉 Our upcoming blog will provide a detailed guide on inspecting and maintaining jib cranes, including checklists and industry best practices.
SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING JIB CRANES
Safety is the single most important factor in any lifting operation. A jib crane, when used correctly, is one of the safest and most reliable lifting tools - but only if operators follow essential safety practices.
- Respect Load Capacity Limits: Every jib crane has a maximum rated load. Exceeding this limit risks equipment failure, accidents, and legal non-compliance. Always check the load rating before lifting.
- Operator Training & Certification: Only trained and authorised personnel should operate a jib crane. Proper training ensures operators understand safe lifting techniques, hazard awareness, and emergency protocols.
- Routine Pre-Use Safety Checks: Before every shift, inspect key components such as the hoist, trolley, bolts, and rotation mechanism. Identifying wear or damage early prevents costly downtime and accidents.
- Maintain a Clear Work Area: The crane’s swing radius should be kept free of obstacles, vehicles, and personnel. A clutter-free area reduces collision risks and improves efficiency.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Operators and nearby workers should wear safety helmets, gloves, and, where necessary, steel-toe boots and high-visibility clothing.
- Know Emergency Procedures: Ensure all staff are familiar with emergency stop controls, lockout/tagout protocols, and shutdown steps in case of malfunction. Quick, decisive action can prevent serious injury.
👉 Key takeaway: Following these safety guidelines not only protects people and assets but also extends the life of your jib crane and keeps you compliant with workplace regulations.
A jib crane may seem like a simple piece of equipment, but in practice, it often becomes the backbone of safer, more efficient operations
FINAL WORD FROM US
Over the years, I’ve worked with countless businesses across different industries, and one thing has always stood out - the difference the right lifting solution can make. A jib crane may seem like a simple piece of equipment, but in practice, it often becomes the backbone of safer, more efficient operations.
I’ve seen them transform workshops, speed up production lines, and make day-to-day tasks easier and safer for teams who rely on them. That’s why I’m a firm believer in their value: they’re reliable, cost-effective, and built to last when chosen and maintained correctly.
If you’re weighing up whether a jib crane is right for you, my advice is simple - don’t underestimate what it can do for your business.
👉 Take a look at our Jib Cranes Collection to explore the options we offer, and if you’d like a more tailored recommendation, give us a call. My team and I are always happy to share our experience and help guide you towards the solution that best fits your needs.
🔗 Next in the Jib Crane Series
Want to take your knowledge further? Explore the next parts of our Jib Crane Series:
- How to Choose the Right Jib Crane – A practical guide to selecting the perfect crane for your space, load requirements, and budget.
- How to Inspect & Maintain a Jib Crane – Step-by-step maintenance tips, safety checks, and compliance advice to keep your crane running for decades.
Stay tuned - these in-depth guides are coming soon!
