Quality free standing jib cranes are often employed in various industrial and commercial settings and they have a wide variety of uses. From moving heavy loads around a warehouse, to picking and packing, to aiding production processes, jib cranes have a lot to offer. They can also be custom made, which can offer businesses and organisations more value and a greater range of options with lifting. Here is a brief guide to selecting and using free standing jib cranes, along with some of the key benefits they can bring.

Why choose free standing jib cranes?

Jib cranes are very versatile and can be mounted in many different ways. They might be wall mounted, or they might be mounted onto a stand to give them extra height and to ensure they are in a safe and secure position. A free standing jib crane will be floor mounted. They can be fitted into some very tight spaces, even where there is low headroom or where there is limited space for the installation in the surrounding area. Free standing jib cranes are beneficial because:

• They help to prevent workplace injuries by aiding lifting
• They are compact and can be used in a wide range of spaces
• They are highly versatile and can assist with many different types of tasks
• They are strong, robust and highly resilient when purchased from a reputable brand and supplier

How to use free standing jib cranes

Free standing jib cranes will only be useful if they are used correctly. They must be properly installed in the first place, and a thorough inspection must take place before use. LOLER and PUWER must always be followed, which will outline how the cranes should be used and maintained. Always ensure that any free standing crane is being operated by someone competent who is fully trained, and is set up correctly for use with the hoist, if necessary.

Specifying the right free standing jib crane

There are many different types of jib crane so it is essential to select one that will do everything that you need. You should always consider factors such as:

• The amount of headroom available where the crane will be installed
• The capacity of the crane
• The types of lifts that will be performed
• How quickly objects will need to be moved
• Whether loads will need to be moved horizontally, or just vertically
• Whether the crane will be used with a hoist and how this will travel

How to look after your new free standing jib crane

Once your crane is in place, it is very important that it is properly maintained and looked after. Be sure to follow all obligations under LOLER and PUWER, which give clear instructions on crane maintenance. The crane should always be visually checked over before use to ensure there is no obvious damage. Cranes can be inspected more regularly if you prefer – the regulations you must follow will cover the basics, so more regular maintenance is an option if there is a reason for this.