What are the types of cantilever cranes?

In a workshop, at a production line, or in a confined equipment maintenance area, materials often need to be lifted and moved frequently and precisely. In these scenarios, large bridge or gantry cranes are overkill and lack flexibility. Cantilever cranes become the ideal choice. Like a powerful “mechanical arm,” its unique structure provides unparalleled flexibility and efficiency.

Cantilever cranes are mainly divided into three categories, each with its own advantages and suitable for different applications.

I. Column-Mounted Cantilever Cranes

This is the most common and classic type of cantilever crane, also known as a column-mounted jib crane.

Structural Features:

• It is supported by a fixed column, which is securely fixed to a concrete foundation with anchor bolts.
• The cantilever beam (usually an I-beam or box girder) is mounted on top of the column via a slewing mechanism and can rotate 360 ​​degrees around the column.
• The hoist (usually an electric chain hoist) runs along a track on the cantilever beam.

Advantages:

• Wide Coverage: 360-degree rotation allows it to serve a complete circular area, maximizing space utilization.
• Compact Structure, Small Footprint: The column occupies a small area, minimizing impact on floor space.
• Relatively Flexible Installation: It can be floor-mounted, or wall-mounted (cantilever type) if the workshop has a robust steel structure (such as factory columns), further saving floor space.

Applicable Scenarios:

Machine tool loading and unloading, assembly line workstations, equipment maintenance areas, warehouse picking stations, and other situations requiring efficient service to a circular work area.

II. Wall-Mounted Cantilever Cranes

When workshop floor space is extremely valuable, or when serving a linear area against a wall, wall-mounted cantilever cranes are the perfect solution.

Structural Features:

• Without a central column, its supporting structure is directly fixed to the load-bearing walls or steel structure columns of the workshop.
• The cantilever beam can be designed to be fixed or rotate within a certain angle, typically 180 or 270 degrees.

Advantages:

• Maximizes ground space saving: It occupies no ground area, allowing equipment and personnel to move freely underneath the crane.
• High cost-effectiveness: Compared to fixed-column cranes, it is generally simpler in structure and lower in cost.

Applicable Scenarios:

Production lines close to walls, dock loading and unloading areas, washing stations, etc. It can efficiently cover a fan-shaped area extending outward from the wall.

III. Mobile Cantilever Cranes

If the first two types are “fixed-point guards,” then mobile cantilever cranes are “mobile patrolmen,” combining the flexibility of cantilever cranes with the convenience of mobile equipment.

Structural Features:

• The entire crane (including the column and cantilever) is mounted on a robust chassis with casters or rail wheels underneath.
• Based on the method of movement, it can be divided into manual-moving and electric-mobile types.

Advantages:

• Unlimited Service Range: Not limited by fixed location, it can be easily moved to any location requiring work, offering multiple uses.
• High Flexibility: Particularly suitable for maintenance workshops, laboratories, or locations where production layouts frequently change.

Applicable Scenarios:

Equipment maintenance, temporary lifting tasks, production areas without fixed workstations. It’s the ideal “all-rounder” for workshops.

How to Choose the Right Jib Crane?

Key Considerations for Purchasing a Cantilever Crane

When choosing, in addition to determining the type, the following points should be clarified:

Lifting Capacity: The maximum weight that must be lifted, considering a safety margin.

Cantilever Length: The distance from the center of rotation to the farthest end, determining the working radius.

Effective Lifting Height: The maximum height the hook needs to lift.

Rotation Angle: 360-degree full rotation, or limited rotation of 180 or 270 degrees?

Support Method: Ground-mounted, wall-mounted, or suspended? (Suspended refers to being suspended under the roof steel structure, which is another variation).

Environmental Requirements: Indoor or outdoor? Are there any special requirements such as explosion-proof or corrosion-resistant?

Operation Method: Manual chain hoist, pneumatic hoist, or electric hoist? Is it equipped with wireless remote control?

Summary

Cantilever cranes, with their precise positioning, ease of operation, and high efficiency and flexibility, perfectly solve the pain points of material handling in localized areas. Whether it’s a stationary type covering a circular workstation, a space-saving wall-mounted type for wall-mounted operations, or a mobile type available on demand, there’s always one that can become a powerful assistant in your workshop.

The right choice allows for effortless material flow, greatly improving work efficiency and safety.