What Is a Jib Crane? Structure, Types & Latest Price Guide 2026

In modern manufacturing environments, optimizing material flow in each workspace is a crucial factor for productivity and safety. Jib cranes have thus become a preferred lifting solution for many factories when handling loads ranging from a few hundred kilograms to several tons within a localized area. With a design featuring a jib arm that rotates around a fixed axis, this equipment allows workers to proactively lift, rotate, and move heavy objects right at their workstation, without relying on the overhead crane spanning the entire facility.

However, Vietmani recognizes that many businesses today do not fully understand the structure, load limits, and foundation requirements of a jib crane before investing. Therefore, this article will help you grasp the operating principles, common classifications, technical specifications, and cost-influencing factors, enabling you to choose the right solution for your factory's actual space and operational needs.

What is a Jib Crane?

A jib crane is an industrial lifting device consisting of a jib arm that rotates around a fixed axis, allowing heavy loads to be lifted and moved within a circular or semi-circular workspace. Instead of travelling along long runways like an overhead crane, a jib crane operates on a polar coordinate principle: the hoisted load rotates around a central pillar with a radius determined by the jib arm's length.

In technical terms, a jib crane is a localised lifting solution. It is typically installed at a fixed workstation, such as a CNC machine feeding area, a structural welding table, a packaging station, or a mould replacement area in a plant. Thanks to its ability to rotate 180°, 270°, or 360° (depending on configuration), workers can proactively execute lift-rotate-place manoeuvres without waiting for the shop floor's main overhead crane.

Common load capacities for jib cranes range from 250 kg, 500 kg, 1 ton, to 5 tons, and even 10–15 tons in custom designs. The working range typically extends to 2–10 meters, depending on production needs and foundation conditions.

Jib Crane Structure – Detailed Mechanical Analysis

Technically, a jib crane is a combination of load-bearing steel structures and an electromechanical motion control system. Although the equipment may look simple on the outside, every component is calculated based on the lifting capacity, outreach, and actual installation conditions.

The centre of the system is the pillar (mast). For freestanding jib cranes, the pillar is usually made from large-diameter steel pipes or rolled and welded steel plates. This component must simultaneously withstand axial compressive forces from its own deadweight and the lifted load, along with the overturning moment generated when the jib arm extends outward. Therefore, the pillar's cross-section and thickness are calculated according to the design load, ensuring no deformation or twisting occurs when operating at maximum capacity.

Directly connected to the pillar is the jib arm (boom) – also known as the hoist runway beam. The jib arm is typically made from an I-beam or a welded box girder, acting as a lever extending into the workspace. As the hoist carries a load and travels towards the end of the arm, the bending stress at the base of the jib increases significantly. If the design lacks sufficient rigidity, the beam can deflect, compromising stability and safety. Thus, the length of the jib arm (usually 2 to 8 meters) must always balance the required outreach with the structure's load-bearing capacity.

The slewing mechanism allows the jib arm to rotate around the fixed axis. For light loads, rotation can be done manually via direct pulling. However, in industrial environments, most systems are equipped with an electric motor combined with a gearbox to ensure smooth and precise movement. In modern designs, an inverter (VFD) is integrated to control acceleration and reduce load swing during sudden stops.

The hoisting equipment – usually an electric chain hoist or electric wire rope hoist – is suspended from and travels along the jib arm. This component directly lifts the object, so it must be fully synchronised with the design capacity of the entire jib crane system. Selecting the wrong type of hoist or one unsuitable for the duty cycle can reduce the equipment's lifespan.

Finally, the entire system is anchored to the floor via the base plate and high-strength anchor bolts. The lifting force and overturning moment are transferred down to the reinforced concrete foundation below. If the foundation lacks sufficient mass or the anchor bolts do not meet the required strength grade, instability could occur when lifting loads at the maximum outreach.

Operating Principles and Load Analysis

In principle, a jib crane operates on a mechanism that combines rotational movement around a fixed axis with vertical lifting and lowering. When the hoist lifts an object off the floor, the load is transmitted along the chain or wire rope to the jib arm. From the arm, the force continues to the jib base, then down the pillar, and is ultimately distributed into the anchor bolt system and the concrete foundation below.

Unlike an overhead crane that travels along X–Y axes on the factory floor, a jib crane operates on a polar coordinate principle. The load is moved within a circular or semi-circular space, with the primary radius being the length of the jib arm. When you rotate the jib, the entire load swings around the central pivot, creating a twisting moment (torque) acting directly on the base of the pillar.

Analysis of Primary Loads

During operation, a jib crane is simultaneously subjected to various types of loads:

1. Static Load

• This is the total weight of the lifted object plus the deadweight of the hoist and a portion of the jib arm structure. The static load creates an axial compressive force down to the pillar and foundation.

2. Dynamic Load

• This occurs when the hoist starts, stops suddenly, or when the jib arm rotates with acceleration. The dynamic load is usually calculated with an added impact factor (safety factor) to ensure the equipment does not operate too close to its structural limits.

3. Bending Moment at the Jib Base

• When the hoist moves to the furthest position at the end of the jib arm, the bending moment reaches its maximum value. This is the point of highest stress in the entire system. The longer the jib arm, the more the bending moment increases exponentially.

4. Overturning Moment at the Pillar Base

• This is the most critical factor in foundation design. When the load is placed at the end of the arm, the overturning force acts on the base plate and anchor bolts. If the foundation lacks sufficient concrete mass or the anchors do not meet the strength grade, there is a risk of the pillar tilting or toppling over.

The Most Critical Points in the System

Mechanically, the two areas that require the strictest control are:

• The base of the jib arm (bending moment concentration zone)
• The base of the pillar and anchor bolts (zone subject to overturning and pull-out forces)

Therefore, during design and installation, it is not only necessary to calculate the nominal lifting capacity (e.g., 1 ton or 2 tons) but also to consider the outreach, duty cycle, and safety factors according to technical standards.

Common Types of Jib Cranes

In practice, jib cranes are classified based on their installation location and structural fixing method. Each type suits a different spatial and load requirement within a factory. Choosing the right type from the start will help your business optimise investment costs and avoid the need for foundation modifications or structural reinforcement later on.

Freestanding Jib Crane (360°)

This is the most common type in industrial environments. The system consists of a steel pillar anchored to a separate reinforced concrete foundation, with a freely rotating jib arm on top.

Its biggest advantage is the ability to rotate 360 degrees, creating a complete circular workspace. The equipment operates independently of the building's structure and can be installed in the middle of a workshop, outdoors, or anywhere with sufficient foundation space.

Common load capacities range from 500 kg to 5 tons, with some custom designs reaching 10–15 tons. However, this type requires its own foundation construction and careful calculation of the overturning moment at the base.

Wall-Mounted Jib Crane (200°–270°)

Instead of using an independent pillar, this type is attached directly to the factory's load-bearing concrete columns or steel structure. The jib arm rotates around an axis fixed to the wall.

Its standout advantage is the complete savings on floor space, as it does not obstruct the paths of forklifts or production lines below. This is a suitable solution for areas where machines are placed close to walls or where space optimisation is needed.

However, the rotation angle is typically limited to between 180° and 270°. Additionally, the lifting capacity depends on the load-bearing capacity of the building's wall or column structure itself.

Wall-Travelling Jib Crane

Instead of using an independent pillar, this type is attached directly to the factory's load-bearing concrete columns or steel structure. The jib arm rotates around an axis fixed to the wall.

Its standout advantage is the complete savings on floor space, as it does not obstruct the paths of forklifts or production lines below. This is a suitable solution for areas where machines are placed close to walls or where space optimisation is needed.

However, the rotation angle is typically limited to between 180° and 270°. Additionally, the lifting capacity depends on the load-bearing capacity of the building's wall or column structure itself.

Common Technical Specifications

When selecting a jib crane, understanding the basic technical specifications will help you accurately determine if the equipment suits your operational needs. In reality, every system is customised to order; however, there are standard specification ranges commonly used in the industry.

Load and Outreach Specifications

Rated Load	Outreach (m)	Lifting Height (m)	Slewing Angle	Common Applications
250kg	2 – 4	2 – 4	180°–360°	Light machining workshops
500kg	2 – 5	3 – 5	180°–360°	Lifting bags, components
1 ton	3 – 6	3 – 6	180°–360°	CNC machine feeding
2 tons	4 – 7	4 – 8	180°–270°	Lifting moulds, machinery
3 tons	4 – 8	4 – 8	180°–270°	Structural mechanics
5 tons	5 – 8	4 – 10	180°–270°	Heavy industry
10–15 tons	Custom design	Custom design	180°–270°	Specialized projects

Electromechanical and Operating Specifications

Category	Common Specifications
Hoist Type	Electric chain hoist / Electric wire rope hoist
Lifting Speed	4 – 8 m/min (Single speed) / Dual speed
Slewing Mechanism	Manual rotation or Motorised rotation
Power Supply	3-phase 380V – 50Hz
Control	Pendant control / Remote control
Duty Cycle	FEM A3 – A4 (Standard), upgradeable to A5

Structural and Installation Specifications

Category	Reference Values
Beam Material	I-beam / H-beam / Welded box girder
Pillar Material	Seamless steel pipe / Rolled welded steel
Anchor Bolts	M16 – M30, strength grade 4.8 – 10.9
Concrete Foundation	Custom-designed based on load
Protective Coating	Anti-rust Epoxy paint / Industrial paint

Notes on selecting specifications:

• The load capacity should be calculated with a surplus of at least 10–25% compared to the actual weight.
• A larger outreach means a higher bending moment and increased structural costs.
• Factories with low ceilings should prioritise chain hoists to optimise lifting height.
• High-frequency operations require upgrading the duty cycle and motor class.

Comparing Jib Cranes with Other Lifting Systems

Within the ecosystem of industrial lifting equipment, a jib crane rarely operates alone but is often arranged alongside overhead cranes, gantry cranes, or monorails. Each type serves a distinct task and function.

Compared to a Single Girder Overhead Crane

Criteria	Jib Crane	Single / Double Girder Overhead Crane
Operating Range	Localised circular or semi-circular area	Covers the entire factory floor plan
Common Load Capacity	0.5 – 5 tons (common)	1 – 50 tons (or higher)
Installation Space	At a fixed point	Installed overhead along the entire factory
Investment Cost	Low to medium	Medium to high
Purpose of Use	Serves a specific workstation	Wide-area goods transfer

An overhead crane is ideal when you need to transport heavy items across the entire workshop. Meanwhile, a jib crane is optimised for repetitive tasks at a fixed location, such as feeding CNC machines, changing moulds, or lifting bags of raw materials. Using a large overhead crane for minor, localised tasks causes energy waste and disrupts overall operations.

Compared to a Gantry Crane

Criteria	Jib Crane	Gantry Crane
Installation Environment	Inside the factory	Outdoors, storage yards
Structure	1 pillar or wall-mounted	2 legs running on ground rails
Movement	Rotates around an axis	Travels along floor rails
Floor Space Taken	Very minimal	Takes up aisle space due to running rails

Gantry cranes are suitable for steel yards, container yards, or areas without an overhead support structure. However, the ground rail system can obstruct internal traffic. Conversely, a jib crane only takes up a small footprint at the base of the pillar, with most of its operation happening overhead, leaving the floor much clearer.

Compared to a Monorail

Criteria	Jib Crane	Monorail
Motion Type	Multi-directional rotation	Linear movement
Working Range	Circular/semi-circular	Along a fixed runway beam
Flexibility	High at a single point	Suitable for fixed transport routes
Applications	Localized workstations	Continuous transfer lines

A monorail acts as a one-way track, highly effective for transporting objects from a fixed point A to point B. However, at locations requiring rotating, aligning, or precise placement into machinery, a jib crane offers far greater flexibility.

Legal Regulations & Mandatory Inspections

In an industrial setting, a jib crane is classified as lifting equipment with strict workplace safety requirements. Because it directly lifts heavy loads overhead, this equipment must comply with legal regulations before being commissioned and throughout its usage.

Applicable Legal Frameworks

Currently, the design, manufacturing, and use of jib cranes must adhere to the following standards and regulations:

• TCVN 4244:2005 – Technical safety codes for lifting appliances
• QCVN 07:2012/BLĐTBXH – National technical regulation on occupational safety for lifting equipment
• Circular 41/2016/TT-BLĐTBXH – Regulations on technical safety inspection fees

These standards clearly specify requirements for safety factors, load testing, operating conditions, and periodic inspection cycles.

=> Read more: Lifting Equipment Standards – Mandatory regulations businesses must know

Mandatory Inspection Scenarios

Jib cranes must be inspected in the following cases:

• Before being put into operation for the first time
• Periodic inspections (usually every 1–3 years, depending on load and working environment)
• After major repairs or modifications to the load-bearing structure
• After a serious incident occurs

Inspections must be conducted by authorised units licensed by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA).

Safety Inspection Procedure

The technical inspection process typically includes 4 main steps:

Step 1: Technical documentation review

• Verifying design drawings, equipment logs, factory certificates, and certifications for hoists, motors, and anchor bolts.

Step 2: Physical structure inspection

• Assessing the condition of the jib arm, pillar, welds, foundation bolts, slewing mechanism, and electrical control system.

Step 3: Load testing

• The equipment will be tested at 100% of the rated load and overloaded (usually 110–125%) to check deflection, stability, and the ability to hold the brake during a power outage.

Step 4: Issuance of inspection certificate

• If it meets the requirements, the equipment is issued a stamp and a safety certificate for legal operation.

=> Read more: Standard Lifting Equipment Inspection Procedure in Vietnam

Responsibilities of the Operating Enterprise

Businesses operating a jib crane are responsible for:

• Storing technical records and inspection reports
• Assigning trained personnel for the operation
• Performing periodic maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer
• Not operating beyond the permissible load limit

Failure to comply with inspections or overloading can lead to administrative fines, operational suspensions, and, more importantly, the risk of serious accidents.

=> Read more: Regulations on Lifting Equipment Operators according to current laws

Practical Applications in the Factory

In actual production, a jib crane is not just a lifting device; it plays a role in eliminating operational bottlenecks at individual workstations. Thanks to its flexible rotation within a localised area, this equipment reduces reliance on the central overhead crane and increases operational autonomy for workers.

• CNC Machine Feeding: Lifting raw materials from a pallet to the machine table, accurately rotating and aligning parts, assembling/disassembling moulds or heavy components.
• Mould replacement in the plastics and metal stamping industries.
• Lifting raw material bags – drums in the food, chemical, or building materials industries.
• Structural mechanics workshops: Lifting steel parts for structural welding, moving components to assembly tables, and assisting in steel frame assembly.
• Machinery maintenance and repair: Dismantling heavy motors, gearboxes, and mechanical assemblies; lifting equipment in narrow technical areas.
• Outdoor or specialised areas: Material yards, water treatment plants, chemical plants, port maintenance zones.

Criteria for Choosing the Right Jib Crane

To invest in a jib crane efficiently and safely, you should not rely solely on the nominal lifting capacity. The selection requires a comprehensive analysis of the factory structure, operating frequency, and specific production characteristics. Below are the crucial criteria Vietmani typically applies when consulting:

First and foremost, lifting capacity is the most important metric. However, the chosen capacity should not just equal the exact weight of the object to be lifted. You must account for the dynamic loads generated when starting and stopping the hoist, as well as the safety factors required by technical standards. Choosing equipment too close to its maximum limit can reduce the structural lifespan and increase operational risks.

Next is the outreach of the jib arm. The arm length dictates the working range, but also increases the bending moment at the base of the jib and the overturning moment at the pillar base. The greater the outreach, the higher the requirement for beam cross-sections, pillar diameters, and foundation sizes. Therefore, the optimal solution is to select a radius just sufficient for the task rather than an over-engineered design.

Foundation conditions and factory structures are also mandatory factors to evaluate before installation. For freestanding jib cranes, the thickness and load-bearing capacity of the concrete floor must be checked, and a separate concrete foundation must be calculated if necessary. For wall-mounted types, it must be ensured that the factory column or beam has the capacity to withstand the lateral loads and overturning moments generated during operation.

Operating frequency is a frequently overlooked factor but heavily influences the equipment's durability. If the system operates only intermittently, a standard configuration can perform well. Conversely, in a continuous multi-shift production environment, it's necessary to select hoists and motors with higher duty cycles to ensure long-term stability.

Furthermore, the working environment directly impacts the choice of materials and the electrical control system. Factories with high humidity, dust, chemicals, or outdoor installations will require an anti-corrosion protective coating; the motors and electrical cabinets must meet appropriate water and dust resistance standards.

Finally, every investment plan must ensure compliance with legal regulations regarding lifting equipment safety and periodic inspections. A properly calculated system from the outset will help the business operate legally, minimise risks, and avoid incurring modification costs down the line.

Conclusion

Within the ecosystem of industrial lifting equipment, the jib crane stands out as the optimal solution for localised workstations – places requiring precise lifting, rotating, and load placement within limited bounds. With a structure encompassing a load-bearing pillar, an extending jib arm, a slewing mechanism, and a hoist, this equipment helps businesses increase operational autonomy, reduce dependence on central overhead cranes, and optimise investment costs.

However, the efficiency of a jib crane lies not only in its lifting capacity but also depends on synchronised calculations concerning outreach, foundation, duty cycle, and environmental conditions. Choosing the wrong configuration can result in beam deflection, pillar base overloading, or post-installation modification costs. Therefore, before investing, you need to comprehensively assess the material flow in your factory, determine the exact actual load, and check the load-bearing capacity of existing structures.

At Vietmani, we approach projects from a holistic engineering perspective: site surveys, load analysis, proposing suitable configurations, and assisting in completing the inspection process according to legal regulations. The goal is not just to supply a lifting device, but to build an optimal, safe, and sustainable lifting solution for your factory.