Jib cranes, also known as cantilever cranes, are lightweight boom cranes designed for light-duty applications. Types include column-mounted, wall-mounted, wall-traveling, mobile, and folding-arm models.
The column-mounted cantilever crane consists of a column, slewing arm, slewing drive unit, and electric hoist. The lower end of the column is anchored to a concrete foundation via anchor bolts. It offers high efficiency, energy savings, and a compact footprint, with simple operation and maintenance. It is particularly suitable for short-distance, high-frequency, and intensive lifting operations.
The column serves as the foundational support for the entire jib crane. It bears radial and axial forces via single-row tapered roller bearings, ensuring stable operation of the rotating arm. The column’s steel structure is typically fabricated from welded steel pipes and flange plates, while the rotating arm’s steel structure combines welded I-beams with support arms.
The slewing mechanism is positioned at the support arm. Together with the gear reducer, the support arm provides essential structural support for the rotating arm, enhancing its bending resistance and strength.
The gear reducer drives the roller to achieve electric rotation of the jib, significantly improving operational flexibility.
The wire rope electric hoist and chain hoist form the core components for lifting heavy loads. They enable horizontal movement of the load, serving as the key to efficient hoisting operations. This ensures stability during lifting and boosts overall work efficiency.
The electrical system serves as the brain of the cantilever crane. Typically employing a C-track with flat cable power supply, it operates via low-voltage, interlocked safety voltage. Handheld control buttons manage functions including fast/slow lifting, lowering, trolley travel, and left/right rotation of the cantilever. Slip rings ensure continuous power supply during any rotation of the cantilever.
Maintenance of jib cranes is relatively straightforward. Since major components undergo meticulous design and rigorous testing, routine upkeep focuses on standard items. Their clean aesthetics and compact structure also facilitate storage and transportation. Whether for new projects or retrofitting existing equipment, jib cranes deliver efficient, stable performance to meet diverse demands.
Looking ahead, the development prospects for cantilever cranes will expand significantly with ongoing technological advancements and growing application demands. For instance, integrating IoT technology and big data analytics enables real-time monitoring and intelligent control, further boosting production efficiency and equipment utilization while paving the way for AI-powered intelligent hoists. Simultaneously, as environmental awareness intensifies, energy conservation and emissions reduction will become key future development directions for cantilever cranes.
