Cranes

Jib cranes are essential tools in modern industrial settings, providing localized material handling that significantly boosts efficiency and safety. Unlike larger overhead crane systems, a jib crane offers a compact, versatile lifting solution for a specific workstation or area. The right choice can streamline your workflow, reduce manual labor, and improve overall productivity. However, selecting the correct type is critical. This guide breaks down the differences between two of the most popular options—wall-mounted and floor-mounted—to help you make an informed decision for your facility.

Wall-Mounted vs. Floor-Mounted: A Detailed Comparison

Understanding the fundamental differences in design and application is the first step toward choosing the right lifting equipment for your needs.

Wall-Mounted Jib Cranes

A wall-mounted jib crane utilizes an existing structural wall or column for support, freeing up valuable floor space. This design is ideal for facilities where maximizing the work area is a priority.

Key Features & Advantages

• Space Efficiency: By mounting directly to a wall or building support column, these cranes require zero floor space, leaving the area clear for machinery, materials, and personnel movement.
• Targeted Lifting: They provide excellent coverage for individual workstations, allowing for efficient lifting and positioning of loads within a 180° to 200° rotation.
• Cost-Effective Installation: Installation can be simpler and less expensive than floor-mounted models, as it doesn’t require a dedicated foundation.
• Flexibility: Multiple wall-mounted units can be installed along a single building column to serve several adjacent workstations without interference.

Ideal Use Cases

A wall mount jib crane is perfectly suited for machine shops, assembly lines, and fabrication areas where lifting is needed at a fixed station. They are excellent for loading and unloading parts from CNC machines, moving components along a production line, or performing localized maintenance tasks.

Floor-Mounted Jib Cranes

Floor-mounted, or pillar-mounted, jib cranes are self-supporting structures bolted to a reinforced concrete foundation. This robust design provides greater lifting capacity and flexibility in placement.

Key Features & Advantages

• 360° Rotation: The primary advantage is the ability to provide full 360-degree rotation, offering complete circular coverage within its radius.
• Higher Capacities: Their freestanding design and solid foundation allow for much higher lifting capacities, often accommodating loads of a 5 ton jib crane and beyond.
• Placement Versatility: These cranes can be installed anywhere in your facility with a suitable foundation, including open areas, loading docks, and even outdoors.
• Durability: Built for heavy-duty applications, they provide a durable and long-lasting lifting solution. The robust jib crane design ensures stability for demanding tasks.

Ideal Use Cases

Floor-mounted systems excel in open warehouses, foundries, and shipping yards where heavy materials need to be moved over a wider area. They are ideal for loading flatbed trucks, serving multiple machines from a central point, or handling heavy molds and dies.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Wall-Mounted Jib Crane	Floor-Mounted Jib Crane
Capacity Range	0.25 tons to 5 tons	0.5 tons to 15 tons+
Rotation	Up to 200 degrees	Up to 360 degrees
Span/Boom Length	Up to 30 feet (approx. 9 meters)	Up to 50 feet (approx. 15 meters)
Mounting	Bolted to a structurally sound wall or building column	Bolted to a special reinforced concrete foundation
Power Requirement	Compatible with various electric chain or wire rope hoists	Supports a wide range of hoists, including high-capacity models
Control	Pendant control, remote control	Pendant control, remote control

Customization: Solutions Tailored by WEIYUAN

Standard solutions don’t always fit unique operational needs. WEIYUAN is a leading manufacturer that specializes in the design, production, sales, and installation of lifting equipment. We understand that every workspace is different, which is why we offer comprehensive customization services.

Our engineering team provides free design consultations to develop a personalized solution for you. Customization options include:

• Capacity: Lifting capacities tailored to your specific load requirements.
• Dimensions: Custom boom length (span) and height to fit your facility’s layout.
• Rotation: Motorized or manual rotation options.
• Color & Finish: Custom paint colors and specialized coatings for harsh environments, such as those required for a marine jib crane.

Application Scenarios

• Factories & Workshops: Both types are used extensively for loading machines, assembling parts, and general material handling to boost worker efficiency.
• Warehouses: Floor-mounted cranes are ideal for organizing heavy stock and loading/unloading goods, while wall-mounted units can serve packing stations.
• Ports & Shipyards: Heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant floor-mounted jib cranes are essential for maintenance and material handling in marine environments.
• Automotive Industry: Used for engine lifting, parts assembly, and maintenance bays.

Safety and Compliance

Safety is non-negotiable. All WEIYUAN jib cranes are designed and manufactured in strict accordance with international safety standards. Our products can be certified to meet regional requirements, such as CE (Europe), ensuring they comply with local safety regulations for both indoor and outdoor use. Every crane undergoes rigorous quality control and load testing before it leaves our facility.

Case Study: Boosting Efficiency in a Metal Fabrication Shop

A mid-sized fabrication shop was struggling with production bottlenecks at its welding stations. Workers were manually moving heavy steel components, leading to fatigue and safety risks. After a consultation, WEIYUAN installed three 1-ton wall-mounted jib cranes, one at each primary welding bay.

Result: The installation immediately improved workflow. Welders could position heavy parts with precision and without assistance, reducing setup time by 40%. The solution eliminated manual lifting injuries and cleared the floor of trip hazards, leading to a safer and more productive environment.

Installation and After-Sales Support

A seamless experience extends beyond the purchase. WEIYUAN offers comprehensive installation and support services to ensure your equipment operates perfectly from day one.

• On-Site Installation: Our expert technical teams can travel to your location to manage the complete installation and commissioning process.
• Remote Guidance: For clients who prefer to use their own teams, we provide detailed installation manuals and live online video support to guide you through every step.
• After-Sales Support: We offer ongoing maintenance support, spare parts availability, and technical assistance to maximize the lifespan and performance of your crane.

Pricing and Quotation Process

Due to the highly customized nature of our products, pricing varies based on capacity, span, features, and other specifications. To get an accurate price, we encourage you to contact our sales team.

How to get a quote:

1. Contact Us: Reach out via our website, email, or phone.
2. Consultation: Our experts will discuss your specific lifting needs and site requirements.
3. Receive Your Proposal: We will provide a detailed, no-obligation quote with a personalized jib crane design and pricing breakdown.

Delivery Timelines

We are committed to timely delivery. Standard models are typically ready for shipment within 3-4 weeks. For custom-engineered solutions, the lead time generally ranges from 5-8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project. We will provide a precise delivery schedule with your formal quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between a crane boom and a jib?
The term “jib” or “boom” refers to the horizontal beam of the crane that the hoist trolley travels along. In the context of a jib crane, this is the primary arm that pivots.

2. What structural support do I need for a wall-mounted jib crane?
You need a sufficiently strong reinforced concrete wall or steel building column. Our engineers will help you verify if your existing structure is adequate during the consultation phase.

3. Can a jib crane be used outdoors?
Yes, floor-mounted models are frequently used outdoors. We recommend special weather-resistant coatings, galvanized components, and protective covers for the hoist and electrical systems to ensure durability.

4. What size portable jib crane do I need?
While this guide focuses on fixed cranes, portable models are also available. The right size depends on your required lifting capacity and the accessibility of your workspace. Contact us to discuss portable options.

5. How difficult is the installation?
Installation complexity varies. A wall-mounted unit can be relatively straightforward, while a floor-mounted crane requires a proper foundation, which can be more involved. WEIYUAN provides full support to ensure a successful installation regardless of the type.