Your Guide to Jib Cranes – Expert Support from ULS Lifting

Your Guide to Jib Cranes – Smarter Lifting Starts Here

Choosing the right jib crane isn’t just about picking a boom length and bolting it to the floor. Even seasoned engineers and operations managers can find themselves working around a setup that doesn’t quite fit - whether it’s a misjudged rotation range, the wrong hoist type, or floor conditions that weren’t factored in from the start.

At ULS Lifting, we’ve helped hundreds of teams cut through complexity. Whether you're replacing a worn-out wall-mounted unit, upgrading to electric hoist control, or expanding into a new bay, we combine practical expertise with tailored solutions and ensure that installation is never an afterthought.

This guide brings together everything you need to make an informed decision, with expert advice on specification, mounting, compliance, and whether refurbished or brand-new is the smarter investment for your site.

What Is a Jib Crane?

Whether you call it a swing jib, slewing arm, wall jib, or simply a workshop crane, a jib crane is a compact, fixed lifting system designed for repetitive, localised lifting tasks.

Most models consist of a horizontal arm (or boom) that rotates around a vertical post or mounts directly to a wall or column. A hoist travels along the arm, allowing loads to be raised and moved within a defined working radius.

You’ll typically find jib cranes in:

- Machine shops and fabrication bays

- Loading docks and warehouse stations

- Vehicle maintenance workshops

- Manufacturing production lines

They’re ideal when you need consistent lifting power in a defined area, especially where overhead cranes are overkill or can’t be used.

Common alternate terms include:

- Swing arm crane

- Slew jib/slewing crane

- Wall-mounted crane

- Freestanding pillar crane

- Workshop crane

- Small industrial crane

If you're unsure what type you're working with, or what it's officially called, you're not alone. This guide will walk through the main types and help you match the name to the right specification.

Key Components of a Jib Crane

Unsure what the parts of a jib crane do? Let’s break it down:

- Arm (Boom): The part that does the heavy lifting. This horizontal beam carries your load via the hoist.

- Mast or Column: The strong vertical support that keeps everything grounded. Mounted to the floor or wall, depending on your setup.

- Rotation System: Allows the jib arm to swing into position. Depending on your needs, it can rotate from 180° up to 360°.

- Hoist: The lifting muscle of your crane, manual, electric, or pneumatic, tailored to suit your operation.

- Trolley (if applicable): Lets the hoist glide along the boom to position your load precisely.

Jib Spec Sheets Aren’t the Whole Story

On paper, choosing a jib crane looks simple: define your safe working load, select a boom length, decide on a hoist type - job done. But in practice, getting the right crane means understanding how your workspace behaves when people, materials, and processes come into play.

- Crane selection isn’t just a technical exercise. It’s an operational one.

- A few common oversights we see:

- Boom swing overlapping racking or doorways

- Rotation limits often get overlooked when site layout changes after installation.

- Height of lift that doesn’t match the load path

- If the hoist can’t clear the machine or the loading dock, it bottlenecks productivity.

- Foundations that don’t meet spec

- Especially on older sites, floor-mounted jibs need slab thickness verification to avoid long-term fatigue or anchor failure.

- Retrofitting accessories to compensate for the wrong initial choice

Adding a powered trolley or remote control later often costs more than integrating it up front.

Instead of thinking in isolation, “What’s the SWL?” think in sequences:

- What’s being lifted?

- Who’s lifting it?

- How often?

- Where does it need to go?

Designing for workflow rather than just load data makes a measurable difference in efficiency and safety.

New vs Refurbished: Making the Right Call

There’s no universal answer when it comes to choosing between a new or refurbished jib crane. It’s not just about budget, it’s about environment, confidence, compliance, and future use. We’ve worked with plenty of teams who’ve made both choices for the right reasons.

If you're designing a new process line or fitting out a bay with tight tolerances, a new jib crane gives you full control - from boom length and mounting type to hoist travel and finishes. It also brings peace of mind when compliance is critical, especially in regulated settings like pharmaceuticals, food handling, or marine applications.

Refurbished cranes, on the other hand, can be a smart choice when time and cost are under pressure. If the lifting requirements are standard, the use is intermittent, or you’re replacing a like-for-like unit, a well-sourced refurbished crane can offer excellent value, provided it’s properly inspected, tested, and matched to your site.

The key is understanding what you’re compromising, and what you’re not. A good refurbished unit will be fully LOLER compliant and functionally reliable. It may not support modern accessories, or adapt easily if your layout changes in future. Likewise, not all second-hand cranes are installation-ready; floor fixing interfaces, reach, or rotation limits often need close checking before committing.

In reality, many facilities run a mix: new cranes where performance, fit, or regulation demand it, refurbished ones for lighter-duty or secondary zones. The important thing is asking the right questions early. Because once the cranes are in, it needs to work without workarounds.

Planning a New Jib Crane Installation? Here’s What to Get Right

Installing a jib crane isn’t just a bolt-down job, or at least it shouldn’t be. Whether you’re adding a single crane to a workshop or integrating multiple stations into a new production line, the groundwork matters. Literally.

For floor-mounted systems, slab condition and foundation spec are often the first limiting factors. We've seen installations delayed or compromised because floor thickness or reinforcement wasn’t checked early. A standard bolt-down might look simple on paper, but if the concrete depth isn’t sufficient, you’re looking at core drilling, epoxy anchors, or a full foundation pad. Planning for this upfront avoids last-minute disruption, or worse, long-term structural issues.

Wall-mounted cranes come with their own considerations. You need to know what you’re fixing into, how load is transferred, and whether the surrounding structure can take the dynamic forces involved. Just because there’s a wall doesn’t mean it can take a crane.

Access is another detail that gets missed. Is there space for the jib arm to swing freely without hitting ductwork, doors, or racking? Can materials be delivered to the installation zone without disassembly? Is there enough clearance for a mobile platform or gantry during the fit?

Then there's certification. Every ULS installation is LOLER-compliant by default, but if you’re managing a site under CDM or integrating with wider mechanical works, we’ll liaise directly with your contractor or project lead to align safety, timelines, and commissioning.

A well-planned installation isn’t just about fitting the crane. It’s about ensuring it works, safely, efficiently, and without compromise, from day one.

When is it Time to Buy a New Jib Crane?

Jib cranes are built to last - but like any working asset, they don’t last forever. The trick is spotting the signs early, before a tired or misaligned setup starts affecting productivity or safety.

Sometimes, the signs are obvious. The hoist is no longer consistent. Bearings are starting to wear. The reach isn’t quite long enough, or the rotation arc now clashes with new racking or machinery. In other cases, the change is more subtle, a once-ideal crane is now being used in ways it was never designed for, whether that’s heavier loads, higher frequency, or more awkward lift paths.

Other times, it’s the cost of patching that becomes the issue. You’ve already swapped the hoist. The trolley’s been upgraded. You’ve added festoon cabling, limiters and a remote control, but you’re still working around the original crane’s limitations. When you start adapting more than you’re using, it’s probably time to think again.

Then there’s growth. The process expands. The team scales. A layout changes. What was once a perfect fit becomes a bottleneck. In those cases, replacing the crane isn’t just a fix; it’s an opportunity to re-optimise the way your team moves, handles and lifts every day.

Buying a new jib crane doesn’t always mean scrapping the old one. Many clients repurpose older cranes into less demanding roles, or refurbish and relocate them elsewhere on site. But knowing when it’s time to stop working around the problem and start solving it is a great mark of operational maturity.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Jib Crane

Even if you’ve bought jib cranes before, no two installations are ever quite the same. Site layout, handling requirements, load characteristics - they all shift the spec. This isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about choosing a configuration that performs reliably and safely for the long haul.

Safe Working Load (SWL)

The SWL isn’t just about the heaviest load you’ll lift - it’s about factoring in regular use, potential shock loading, and the safety margin built into your process. Over-specifying adds cost, but under-specifying risks downtime, damage, or worse.

Height of Lift (HOL)

Always measure from the floor to the highest lift point, not just to the boom. And don’t forget to account for the hoist body and any required headroom clearance above the load, especially in tight bays or low-ceiling workshops.

Slew or Rotation Range

Standard ranges are 180°, 270° or full 360°, but the usable arc may be constrained by site layout. Think about what the crane could hit, not just what it should reach - racking, walls, machinery, mezzanines.

Boom Length (Reach)

Longer reach increases flexibility but places more strain on the structure and can reduce SWL at the extremity. If the load is always centralised, you might not need the full swing - or you might need rotation stops to limit movement.

Mounting Type

Freestanding (floor-mounted), wall-mounted, or clamp-around column setups each have different structural and installation demands. Don’t assume your current layout can take the one you used last time - verify fixing points, access and clearances.

Hoist Selection

This can make or break productivity. Consider:

- Manual chain hoists for low-frequency or lighter loads

- Electric chain hoists for regular or heavier-duty use

- Push or geared travel trolleys for precise positioning

- Single or dual-speed operation depending on control needs

Accessories and Controls

Think beyond the lift. Remote controls, limiters, festoon systems, vacuum lifters, and block grippers all affect usability, safety, and efficiency, especially in multi-operator environments or when handling irregular loads.

Environment & Usage

Will the crane be exposed to weather, dust, or corrosive materials? Do you need stainless steel, galvanised finishes, or marine-grade components? The more accurate your use case, the better the outcome.

Advanced Jib Crane Considerations: Hoists, Attachments & Adaptability

Once a jib crane is installed, its true value is defined by how well it integrates into the task at hand. For experienced operators, performance isn't just about capacity; it's about control, adaptability, and the ease with which loads can be handled in context.

Hoist Control & Power Systems

If you're lifting regularly or working across multi-operator shifts, reliable control becomes essential.

- Festoon cable systems remain the go-to for wired reliability, especially where durability is more important than flexibility.

- Radio remote controls offer freedom of movement and visibility, ideal for awkward load orientations or reducing pinch points in crowded bays.

Both come into their own when space is tight or where loads require positioning from multiple vantage points.

Flexible Mounting Options

Not every load lands in the same spot, and not every lift comes from a fixed point.

- Beam clamps and beam trolleys allow operators to position loads precisely along the boom, especially useful in applications where lift points vary by task or product type. They're quick to install, easily repositioned, and can extend the crane's effective working area without changing the structure.

Specialist Lifting Attachments

When your load isn’t simple, your lifting tools shouldn’t be either.

- Vacuum lifters, block grippers and lifting magnets make short work of non-standard items - from sheet materials and boxed units to oddly shaped components. In high-mix environments, they reduce manual handling risk and speed up changeovers.

Site-Specific Lifting Solutions

Material handling rarely lives in a vacuum.

- For site work or logistics environments, tools like tipping buckets, mortar tubs and chain slings simplify movement across uneven terrain or into confined drop zones.

- Where lift loads exceed the norm, high-capacity items like lifting lugs, wire rope slings and clamps allow your jib system to take on more complex or heavy-duty roles.

Environmental Considerations

Working near water, in washdown zones, or in harsh conditions?

- Natural and synthetic rope options can provide critical corrosion resistance and longevity where traditional gear may degrade. Finishing, material choice, and ingress protection (IP) ratings all matter more in these settings than they do on the spec sheet.

Types of Jib Cranes - And Where They Really Work

Most people in the industry will know the standard labels: freestanding, wall-mounted, clamp-around. But understanding where each type performs best, and where it falls short, is what makes the difference in choosing the right configuration for your operation.

Freestanding Jib Cranes

The most flexible and widely used option, freestanding jibs offer full 360° rotation and can be positioned independently of structural support.

They're ideal where you need maximum coverage in an open bay, or when the existing building structure can't support the load.

Considerations:

- Requires a reinforced foundation or slab

- More invasive to install, but often more adaptable long term

 Wall-Mounted Jib Cranes

Wall-mounted or column-mounted cranes are space-saving and cost-effective when a suitable fixing point already exists.

They work well along production lines, at workstations, or where headroom is restricted.

Considerations:

- Rotation is typically limited to 180° or 200°

- Structural integrity of the wall must be confirmed, especially in older buildings or extensions

Clamp-Around Column Jibs

These are often used in retrofit situations, where you want jib functionality without welding or bolting into sensitive structural steel.

Clamps allow installation onto existing RSJs or columns, provided the structure can take the applied load.

Considerations:

- Great for avoiding intrusive work, but not suitable for all columns

- Rotation and boom length may be restricted based on the mounting height

Stainless Steel & Galvanised Options

For environments where hygiene or corrosion resistance is key, such as food production, chemical handling, or coastal/marine settings, material choice becomes critical.

Stainless steel cranes are non-reactive and easy to clean, while galvanised finishes offer robust protection for outdoor or semi-exposed applications.

Split-Column Designs

Where height or access is limited, split-column jibs offer an alternative way to maintain full lifting capacity in a compact format.

Useful in basements, mezzanines, or low-headroom areas that standard jibs can’t accommodate.

Davit Cranes

Often confused with jib cranes, davits offer a more portable, modular option for lifting lower weights in confined or mobile scenarios, think van-mounted setups, small workshops, or service vehicles.

They’re especially useful where quick setup and breakdown are needed, though they’re not designed for the same duty cycles as full jib systems.

How We Work: From Jib Specification to Jib Crane Installation

Whether you're fitting out a new facility or replacing a crane that’s come to the end of its life, getting the right jib crane in place isn't just about product. It's about process. At ULS, we support that process from first enquiry to final sign-off, and beyond.

Step 1: Understanding Your Setup

Every successful crane starts with the right questions. We'll speak with you to understand your working environment, lifting requirements, floor or wall structure, and any known constraints - physical, logistical, or regulatory. Some clients come to us with a full spec; others need help building one. Either is fine.

Step 2: Technical Review & Recommendations

Once we understand your brief, we’ll work with our engineers and project team to recommend the best-fit solution - whether that’s a new build, a refurbished crane, or a combination of systems across your site. We’ll flag any risks or dependencies early, including floor depth, ceiling clearance, or movement zones.

Step 3: Quotation with No Surprises

Your quotation will clearly outline the crane specification, any optional upgrades, delivery timelines, and installation scope (if required). We’re transparent about lead times and realistic about site conditions - and we’ll never quote until we’re confident the solution fits.

Step 4: Drawings & Approval

You’ll receive fully dimensioned CAD drawings for approval, showing layout, swing arc, mounting interface and access requirements. This isn’t just paperwork - it’s where final adjustments happen. We’ll liaise with your engineer, contractor or facilities team to make sure everyone’s aligned before fabrication begins.

Step 5: Fabrication & Testing

Your crane is built to spec by our trusted manufacturing partners, with quality control at each stage. Hoists, controls and attachments are matched to the application, and we’re on hand throughout if any changes or questions arise.

Step 6: Delivery & Installation

If we’re installing, we’ll schedule work to suit your programme and minimise downtime. Our engineers are experienced in working on live sites and will conduct all LOLER testing and certification as standard. If you’re installing the crane in-house, we’ll still provide full documentation and post-delivery support.

Step 7: Aftercare That’s Actually Helpful

Our support doesn’t stop once the crane’s up. Whether you need spare parts, routine inspections, or modifications down the line, we’re available, and you won’t need to re-explain the setup each time. We keep records, remember details, and work with you for the long term.

Ready to Lift Smarter?

Whether you're specifying a single jib crane or planning a full materials handling upgrade, we’re here to help you get it right. No jargon, no hard sell - just straightforward advice from people who understand the demands of your environment.

Start with a quick call, send us your spec, or book a site visit. However you like to work, we’ll meet you there, with the technical insight, honest guidance and aftercare you can rely on.
Let’s build something that fits and lasts.

When you're specifying a jib crane, you're not just buying a product - you're committing to a piece of equipment that needs to work reliably, integrate cleanly, and keep people safe.

At ULS, we don’t just supply cranes. We work with engineers, facilities managers and procurement teams across the UK to get the right outcome - whether that means designing something bespoke, adapting an existing layout, or delivering a fully certified refurbished unit at speed.

What sets us apart isn’t just our product range. It’s how we work:

- Consultative, not transactional. We ask the right questions and flag the things others miss.

- No one-size-fits-all. We’ll tailor your spec to your site, your team, and your workflow, not just your load.

- Engineer-ready. Our drawings are accurate, our install teams are briefed, and our communication is clear from day one.

- Compliance built in. Every crane we install is LOLER tested and delivered with the documentation you need. No chasing. No guesswork.

- Support that sticks. Need parts in six months? Relocating in two years? We’ll still be here - and we’ll remember the job.

Whether you’re expanding your operation, replacing ageing kit, or lifting smarter across multiple sites, we’ll help you make the right call and see it through properly.

Frequently Asked Questions: Jib Cranes

1. What’s the typical lead time for a new jib crane?

Lead times can vary depending on the specification and whether the crane is custom-built. For standard models, expect 2 to 4 weeks. For bespoke systems with custom boom lengths, hoists, or finishes, 6 to 10 weeks is more typical. Installation schedules may add to this depending on site readiness.

2. Can I install a jib crane myself, or should it be professionally installed?

While some experienced facilities teams may handle installation in-house, professional installation is strongly recommended. Factors like floor slab suitability, accurate alignment, and LOLER compliance all impact long-term performance and safety. ULS offers full installation services to ensure correct setup and certification.

3. What kind of foundation or floor spec is needed for a freestanding jib crane?

Freestanding jib cranes typically require a reinforced concrete slab at least 200mm thick, with a compressive strength of 25 N/mm² or higher. For heavier-duty cranes or higher SWLs, a dedicated foundation pad may be required. Floor conditions should be assessed before specifying a crane.

4. How often should a jib crane be inspected under LOLER?

LOLER regulations require lifting equipment to be inspected at least every 12 months. If the crane is used to lift persons (unusual, but possible), inspections must occur every 6 months. ULS can arrange regular inspections and provide documentation to support compliance.

5. Can I retrofit powered rotation or a different hoist later on?

Yes, in many cases. Powered rotation systems, upgraded trolleys, or electric chain hoists can be added later, but it depends on the original crane’s design and mounting. It’s best to specify future requirements upfront, but we can advise on retrofitting existing systems.

6. What are the benefits of dual-speed hoists vs single-speed?

Dual-speed hoists offer greater control, especially during precise lifting or when handling delicate loads. They allow faster travel for positioning, then slower movement for accurate placement. In high-use or multi-operator environments, they improve both efficiency and safety.

7. Can a jib crane be relocated if we move or reconfigure our workspace?

Yes - many jib cranes can be dismantled and reinstalled elsewhere, though freestanding cranes may require a new foundation. It’s important to reassess floor conditions, loading requirements, and layout constraints before relocation. ULS offers relocation support and re-certification.

8. What’s the difference between a jib crane and a davit or swing arm?

Jib cranes are typically fixed, heavy-duty lifting systems with a rotating boom and higher load capacity. Davits are more portable, modular, and suited to lighter-duty applications (e.g. maintenance vehicles or small-scale lifts). Swing arms often refer to smaller, non-motorised variants of jib cranes.

9. Do refurbished jib cranes still need to be LOLER tested?

Yes. Any refurbished or second-hand crane must be thoroughly inspected and tested before use. ULS provides LOLER-compliant certification as standard with all refurbished systems, including proof of inspection and safe working load verification.

10. What’s the typical lifespan of a well-maintained jib crane?

A quality jib crane can last 15–20 years or more with regular maintenance. Key components like bearings, hoists and trolleys may need periodic replacement. Proper installation, usage within spec and scheduled inspections all extend service life.

11. How do I choose the right hoist for a jib crane?

It depends on your load type, lift frequency, environment and control preference. Manual chain hoists suit low-volume lifting, while electric chain hoists are ideal for repetitive or heavier use. Push or geared travel trolleys allow precise positioning. For best results, match hoist type to workflow, not just weight.

12. Do I need planning permission to install a jib crane?

In most industrial or commercial settings, planning permission isn’t required. However, cranes installed externally or in listed buildings may be subject to local authority rules. It’s always worth checking with your site manager or facilities consultant. ULS can provide supporting documentation if needed.

13. What’s the difference between a wall-mounted and floor-mounted jib crane?

Wall-mounted jib cranes save floor space and are ideal when structural support is available. They typically offer 180–200° rotation. Floor-mounted (freestanding) cranes offer full 360° coverage and greater flexibility but require a suitable foundation. The choice depends on available space, structure, and desired reach.

14. Is a jib crane the best choice for my application, or should I consider an overhead system?

It depends on the lifting zone, coverage area, and workflow. Jib cranes are ideal for localised, repetitive lifts, especially at workstations or fixed bays. For larger or multi-bay coverage, overhead gantry or bridge cranes may be more suitable. ULS can advise based on your specific layout and usage patterns.

15. Can I use a jib crane outdoors or in a marine environment?

Yes, but the system needs to be specified accordingly. Galvanised finishes, stainless steel components, sealed bearings and weatherproof enclosures are often required. ULS can provide outdoor-rated or marine-ready jib cranes built to withstand harsh conditions.

16. What should I check before buying a second-hand jib crane?

Check the crane’s inspection history, visible wear on hoist and bearings, compatibility with your layout, and whether the base or mounting interface matches your structure. Ensure it has a valid LOLER certificate or can be re-certified before use.

17. What safety features should be included on a modern jib crane?

Standard features often include load limiters, rotation stops, hoist limit switches, and overload protection. Additional options like remote control systems and anti-drop devices are available. Safety requirements vary by environment - our team can help you specify what's needed for full compliance and user safety.