Jib lifters are a small type of crane used inside workshops, docks, truck beds, and cargo vans.  The need for smaller cranes like this evolved out of the challenges associated with maneuvering heavy materials of different types, sizes, shapes, and weight in the limited spaces of warehouses and cargo vehicles. 

Challenges Addressed

Many objects are too large to move by hand.  Some are also oddly sized, making it difficult to move them by standard means.  In a warehouse situation, space is always more limited than one might think due to the high volume of inventory stored there.  Docks and truck beds have even more limited space, and hazards increase proportionally when loading and unloading materials.

Jib cranes make this process simple and safe by combining lateral maneuverability with vertical lift.  Materials can be moved up and down, side by side, or raised and lowered in an arc.  This allows workers to precisely position loads in a timely manner.  Proper use of the crane will minimize the possibility of damage to materials or injury to workers.

Equipment at a Glance

Air balanced jib lifters can be portable, floor mounted, or ceiling mounted.  These units provide push button control of a pneumatic cylinder that raises and lowers a load attached to a cable.  Rotation hand brakes allow the crane to maneuver for 360 degree positioning.  Capacity ranges between 250 and 350 pounds depending on the unit

Different attachments and pneumatic hoists can be fitted to jib lifters to maneuver different types of materials.

1.       When manipulating materials with smooth surfaces, the pneumatic vacuum lifter is recommended.  It uses controlled suction to grab the product.  A release button turns off the suction once the item is in position.

2.       Cylindrical products, such as piping or tubes, are best manipulated with the scissor action lifter.

3.       For general material handling applications where a variety of product types are being moved, the double hook lifter is recommended.  The double hook can handle round, flat, large, or small items.  It is ideal when loading and unloading shipments with different material sizes and types.

Easy Rack also has jib lifters that install in the backs of vans.  These are DC battery powered mini cranes that lift materials from the floor to the back of the van.  A pivotal arm allows for cargo to be rotated in tight spaces and neatly positioned in the vehicle.  Manual units with a hand crank winch are also available.

These jib cranes can handle loads of up to 1,000 pounds and can also be installed in the backs of pickup trucks.

Results

Investment in a jib lifter will improve process flow by drastically cutting the time it takes to load and unload vehicles.  Because the crane, with the proper attachment, can handle any kind of object up, workers do not have to break stride when dealing with loads of mixed materials.  Bush button control eliminates worker strain and drastically reduces the risk of injury when the unit is properly operated.

Materials are less likely to be broken when correctly maneuvered with the crane.  The ability to precisely position each object maximizes storage or transport space and minimizes the likelihood of product damage.