The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Jib Cranes

Do you want to know all about jib cranes and how they work, but maybe don’t know where to start?

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We’re the crane experts here at Shannahan Crane and Hoist.

Jib cranes may seem complicated at first but in this ultimate guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about them.

What Are Jib Cranes?

So, what is a jib crane? Jib cranes are overhead lifting devices that are often used in small work areas for lifting tasks that require repetitive and precise motion. They are highly useful and adaptable.

They can also work in concert with overhead bridge cranes to become even more efficient.

Jib cranes have simple, mechanical designs and they can typically lift from 250lbs to 15 tons. Well-known for having an ergonomic design, Jib cranes are an invaluable tool that can increase productivity, efficiency, and safety.

Types of Cranes

Different types of cranes suit different purposes. We’ll explore the following styles of cranes.

1. Freestanding Jib Cranes

2. Foundationless Jib Cranes

3. Mast Type Jib Cranes

4. Wall-Mounted Jib Cranes

5. Articulating Jib Cranes

The term mobile jib crane refers to a crane that you can easily relocate, however, most of the time when people say this phrase, they mean a crane that can only carry relatively light loads and is attached to a truck or vehicle.

Freestanding Jib Cranes

The most common type of jib crane is likely a freestanding jib crane. They are highly versatile and can be installed in any location. They typically support 360° of rotation and boom heights up to 40’. Freestanding jib cranes also usually have a capacity that ranges up to 15 tonnes.

Because freestanding jib cranes can be base-plate mounted, foundation or inset mounted they are extremely adaptable to different use cases and scenarios. Teams that use free-standing jib cranes appreciate that they have the highest weight capacities, higher levels of durability, and provide a lot of rotation.

Their main drawback is price because they are usually very expensive and difficult to install.

Foundationless Jib Cranes

Slab mounting foundationless jib cranes. is the most common way to secure them. They are bolted to 6” reinforced concrete for both indoor or outdoor use. They’re a popular option because you can easily relocate them. 

Typically they have 360° of rotation and boom heights up to 20’. Their weight capacity usually ranges from 1,000lbs of lift. That’s quite a bit lower than some other types of crane. 

Mast Type Jib Cranes

A big benefit of choosing a mast-type crane is that they are less expensive than other crane types. That’s because they only need 6” of concrete to support them. They are a little different from other cranes in that they can use multiple sources of support, such as an overhead support beam.

Usually, mast-type cranes support 360° of rotation and boom heights up to 40’ which makes them flexible and versatile. They also usually have a capacity that ranges up to the high end of 10 tons.

There are two different types of mast-type jib cranes. The most popular type is called a full cantilever. The other type is known as a drop cantilever crane. Each type of crane has pros and cons associated with it. But, the full cantilever style has the most lifting capacity available and also the most clearance. 

Wall-Mounted Jib Cranes

If you need a wall-mounted crane, this type of crane is perfect. Instead of a traditional foundation, wall-mounted cranes can use existing walls or cleverly embedded support columns for a foundation. 

Wall-mounted swing cranes are great because they can swing around obstructions and obstacles easily. They also fold away for safe and neat stowage. Their main drawback is they tend to only have a capacity of up to 5 tons and they support 180° to 200° of rotation and boom heights of up to 30’. 

Overhead crane parts can be expensive to replace and require new foundations. 

Articulating Jib Cranes

If you want a crane with two swivel arms, chances are you’re thinking of an articulating jib crane. These cranes are different from other cranes because they have two arms that can lift loads around corners and obstructions. They are great for complex and confined workspaces. 

There are lots of different types of mounting styles and foundation styles for this type of crane. They support up to 200° of swivel and 360°rotation and boom heights up to 30’. They often can only carry very light loads compared with the other cranes in this article. Often as little as a single Ton.

Jib Crane Application Criteria

The crane you require depends on a host of factors and choosing the right crane necessitates a thorough assessment of your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting a crane.

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Capacity

The top end of the weight scale should never be tested. That is to say, if the capacity or design weight is listed as 5 tons, you should never see if you can go a fraction over that.

It’s unsafe to do so. When manufacturers calculate capacity ratings they base their mathematics on a design load that includes the capacity rating of the crane plus 15% of the capacity for the weight of the hoist and trolley and also 25 percent of the capacity to allow for additional impact.

So, the weight load listed is the load itself. 

The Height Under The Boom (HUB) and Rotation

The required distance from the floor to the underside of the boom is a factor in choosing your crane. Lifting distance is more easily varied with some types of a crane than with others. 

Boom rotation is also a factor to consider. While freestanding and mast-type jib cranes can provide up to 360° of rotation, wall-mounted and articulating jobs only provide 200°. 

Power Requirements

The amount of power you will need is another relevant consideration when selecting a crane. Different crane models require different power supplies (electric, or air) and they can be connected through the top or bottom entry.  Also, jib cranes can be completely manual.  

If your crane is outdoors it might also need to be weatherized to protect it from the elements and ensure your power supply remains uncompromised. 

We Can Assist With Your Jib Crane Needs

We hope you enjoyed reading our detailed guide to jib cranes and how they work.

We’re the crane experts here at Shannahan Crane and Hoist. Looking for a jib crane for sale? Do you have some questions that weren’t answered in this article?

Get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to help.

A jib crane is a type of overhead lifting device with a horizontal boom (arm) that supports a load and rotates around a vertical mast. It’s commonly used for localized, repetitive lifting within work cells or specific areas of a facility.

Start by identifying your load capacity, lifting height, boom reach, and available space. Also consider whether you’ll mount the crane on a wall, floor, or column, and if your concrete slab can support it. If you’re unsure, our experts can walk you through the best fit for your application.

Costs vary from $1,500 for small foundationless or portable models to $10,000+ for heavy-duty freestanding units. Prices depend on capacity, span, rotation, mounting type, and accessories.

Freestanding cranes typically require a reinforced concrete foundation, designed to support the full load and torque of the crane. However, foundationless models are available for lighter-duty applications and use existing floor slabs.

It’s a bolt-down jib crane that installs directly onto an existing concrete slab (usually 6–8 inches thick), eliminating the need for a custom foundation. Ideal for leased facilities or quick-install projects.

That depends on boom length and rotation range. A 10 ft. boom with 360° rotation requires a 20 ft. clearance diameter. Always account for load overhang and swing area when planning your space.

Some customers with internal maintenance teams handle their own installs, especially for wall-mounted or bolt-down models. However, professional installation is recommended for foundation-based cranes or high-capacity systems.

Yes. Wall-mounted jib cranes and tie-rod styles are designed to attach to structural walls or steel columns. It’s important to verify that the mounting surface can handle the moment load.

An articulating jib crane has two pivoting arms, allowing for flexible, multi-directional movement. It’s ideal for navigating around machinery or placing loads in tight work areas.

A telescoping jib crane has a boom that extends and retracts in a straight line, similar to a telescope. Unlike an articulating crane, it doesn’t bend at the midpoint—it adjusts reach linearly, often using hydraulic or manual mechanisms. These are used where variable span is needed without changing the crane’s footprint.

Measure how far the load needs to travel from the mast and make sure there’s clearance around workstations, machinery, or walls. Typical spans range from 8 to 20 feet depending on the crane model.

Capacities range from 100 lbs for workstation models to 10,000 lbs (5 tons) or more for industrial freestanding units.

Yes. All cranes we sell meet or exceed OSHA .179 and ANSI/ASME standards. Always verify proper installation and maintenance to maintain compliance.

Some models include load test documentation. We can also assist with on-site testing or third-party certification after installation if required.

Yes—many models are rated for outdoor use. Look for weather-resistant finishes, stainless hardware, sealed bearings, and base covers. Let us know your environment so we can recommend the right setup.

Yes, depending on the crane model. Powered trolleys and rotation systems are available and are especially helpful in high-cycle or high-capacity applications.

Are you interested in learning more about portable jib crane? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!