The right lifting system can have a huge impact on your facility operations. The wrong crane will slow production, create safety risks, or force your team to work around it, resulting in wasted time and money. Procuring the right crane enables seamless integration into your facilities, boosting long-term ROI and enhancing your entire production process.
If you’re comparing jib cranes to overhead cranes, you’re already on the right track. These two lifting systems solve different problems; this crane selection guide will help you understand those differences and make a confident decision.
Key Considerations:
A jib crane is a straightforward and efficient lifting solution designed for localized, repetitive tasks. They are commonly found in machining shops, fabrication stations, loading areas, and other workplaces that require reliable lifting support within a specific radius.
When a team frequently lifts materials in the same location, such as loading parts into a machine, a jib crane is often the most practical and cost-effective choice for the facility.
An overhead crane, which is also called a bridge crane, is designed for heavier lifting and full-bay coverage. Unlike a jib crane, it moves materials across your entire facility. This makes it the preferred option for operations that require flexibility and higher capacity.
For facilities spanning multiple stations or requiring the lifting of heavy equipment across a large bay, an overhead crane is almost always the best choice.
Many facility managers and procurement teams often underestimate what’s involved with crane installation, especially with jib crane applications.
A wall or column-mounted jib crane cannot be bolted to an existing column without reinforcement. Most building columns are designed for snow and wind loads, not the rotational forces a jib crane creates. In many cases, a structural engineer must reinforce the column before crane installation to ensure safe movement and load capacity.
Overhead cranes, meanwhile, require runway beams and structural support that must be evaluated by qualified professionals.
WF Steel and Crane’s team regularly helps facilities understand the requirements of industrial lifting equipment so you can avoid costly surprises later.
Here’s a simple way to narrow your choices between cranes.
If uncertainty persists, a crane site assessment is the next best step. WF Steel and Crane works with facility managers, procurement teams, and project managers to evaluate workflow, understand long-term needs, and recommend the system that will provide value for years to come.
Contact the WF Steel & Crane team for a quote and start optimizing your facility’s operations.
So are we!
Request A Quote