Compare Jib And Gantry Cranes

In industrial production, choosing the suitable lifting equipment is crucial for improving efficiency and reducing costs. Jib cranes and gantry cranes, as two common types of lifting equipment, have their own unique advantages and applications. So, for different work requirements, how to make the best choice between these two types of crane equipment? In this article, we will analyze the differences between jib cranes and gantry cranes in detail from the aspects of structural characteristics, application scenarios, and performance advantages, and help you find the most suitable solution. Read on for more information!

What is a Jib Crane?

A jib crane is a small lifting device, usually with a rotatable boom (cantilever), capable of rotating 360 degrees within a fixed range, suitable for lifting and transferring tasks in areas where workpieces are densely packed. It is usually mounted on walls, columns, or floors, and its compact structure and flexible operation make it suitable for efficient operation in environments with limited space.

What is a Gantry Crane?

A gantry crane is a kind of lifting equipment that consists of two supporting legs and a crossbeam and usually moves on the ground track to cover a large area. It is suitable for scenarios that require long and extensive lifting, especially outdoors or in spacious workshops. Small gantry cranes have a solid structure and high load capacity and are suitable for handling heavy or large-sized materials.

Different Types of Jib And Gantry Cranes

According to different installation methods and usage scenarios, jib cranes are mainly categorized into wall-mounted, column-mounted, mobile and articulating types. Each type has its unique advantages and can meet the needs of different working environments. Next, we will introduce the features and application scenarios of these jib crane types in detail to help you better choose the right equipment.

Types of Jib Cranes

• Wall-Mounted Jib Crane: fixed on the wall, suitable for working along the wall, saving floor space.
• Column Jib Crane: Supported by fixed floor columns, it can cover a larger rotating area.
• Portable Jib Crane: With wheels, it can be moved flexibly and is suitable for temporary or changing work scenarios.
• Articulating Jib Crane: the boom can be folded or telescopic, suitable for precise lifting in complex spaces.

Wall-Mounted Jib Crane

Column Jib Crane

Portable Jib Crane

Articulating Jib Crane

Types of Small Gantry Cranes

• Fixed Gantry Crane: fixed position, suitable for long-term operation in a specific area.
• Mobile Gantry Crane: With wheels or rails, it can be moved flexibly in different positions.
• Adjustable Gantry Crane: The height of the support legs can be adjusted to accommodate different work heights.
• Rail Small Gantry Crane: Lifting equipment consisting of double columns and crossbeams with a rail system installed at the bottom, which can be moved on a preset track. Suitable for medium-sized materials handling, such as machinery and equipment, construction materials.

Fixed Gantry Crane

Mobile Gantry Crane

Adjustable Gantry Crane

Rail Small Gantry Crane

Structural differences between jib cranes and gantry cranes

There are obvious differences between jib cranes and gantry cranes in terms of structural design, which are mainly reflected in the support mode, mobility, and coverage:

Support mode

• Jib crane: usually supported by a single column, the bottom of the column is fixed on the ground or wall by bolts or concrete, and the structure is simple and solid.
• Small gantry cranes: supported by double columns, with casters or rail systems installed at the bottom of the columns to facilitate equipment movement and position adjustment.

Mobility

• Jib crane: generally divided into fixed and mobile structures, the boom can be rotated 360 degrees, but the fixed jib crane overall equipment can not be moved, mobile can be moved flexibly through the universal wheel on the base, widely used.
• Small gantry crane: with high mobility, they can be moved freely in a wide range by casters or rail systems, suitable for scenarios that require frequent changes of working positions.

Coverage

• Jib cranes: the coverage mainly depends on the length and rotating radius of the boom, suitable for small-scale operations with dense workpieces.
• Small Gantry Crane: the coverage is larger, the crossbeam span can be designed according to the demand, suitable for long-distance and large-scale lifting tasks.

Crossbeam design

• Jib cranes: the crossbeam is usually shorter and connected to the column, mainly used for rotary lifting.
• Small Gantry Crane: The crossbeam is longer and connected to double columns, which can cover a larger working area.

Applicable Scenarios

• Jib cranes: compact structure, suitable for areas with limited space and dense workpieces, such as workshops and warehouses.
• Small gantry cranes: open structure, suitable for spacious sites or operations requiring large coverage, such as outdoor sites, large workshops, etc.

Conclusion

The cantilever crane has a 360-degree rotating boom, which is particularly suitable for efficient lifting in areas with dense workpieces. It has a compact structure and flexible operation. Small gantry cranes have a relatively large span and a wide coverage range and are more suitable for long-distance and large-scale lifting tasks. There are obvious differences between jib and gantry cranes in the structural design, types, and application scenarios. When choosing, customers should reasonably select suitable equipment according to specific work needs and site conditions to improve work efficiency and safety.