Pillar or wall jib crane - which one fits your workstation?

Pillar or wall jib crane - what is the difference?

Both types guide a load on a rotating arm. The pillar jib crane stands on its own foundation column and slews up to 360°, while the wall-mounted jib crane is fixed to a load-bearing wall or column and usually slews 180°.

The pillar crane is independent of the building structure and suits free-standing workstations in the middle of a hall. The wall crane saves floor space but requires a wall or concrete column strong enough to carry the loads.

How do I size load capacity and reach?

Load capacity must cover the heaviest load plus the weight of the hoist and lifting accessories. Reach is the horizontal distance from the slewing axis to the outermost load position - it must cover the whole working area.

Capacity and reach are linked: the load moment of weight times reach drives the stress on the arm and the mounting. 250 kg at 4 m reach gives a load moment of 1000 kg·m, which the column or wall must carry safely.

• Include the chain hoist, traverse and slings in the capacity, not just the net part.
• Choose reach so the load can reach every point of the workstation without jamming.
• Add a margin: cranes are sized to the next higher standard capacity step.
• With an electric chain hoist, add the hoist weight to the payload.
• Check the clear lift height under the arm - it drops with hoist height and sling length.

What matters for slewing range and mounting?

The slewing range defines the circular sector the arm sweeps. Pillar cranes reach up to 360°, while wall cranes are limited to about 180° by the wall. A slewing limiter prevents the arm from swinging into walkways or against adjacent equipment.

The mounting decides safety. A pillar crane needs a reinforced concrete foundation whose size follows from the load moment and ground pressure. A wall crane transfers tension and compression forces into two brackets, and the wall must be proven able to carry them.

Frequently asked questions