When it comes to material handling, two of the most popular lifting solutions are jib cranes and gantry cranes. Both are designed to safely move heavy loads, but they serve very different applications. Understanding the differences will help you select the right crane for your facility.
What Is a Jib Crane?
A jib crane features a horizontal boom (the “jib”) that extends from a wall or a floor-mounted pillar. The boom supports a hoist that can travel back and forth, and the whole arm often rotates to cover a set work area.
Key advantages of jib cranes:
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Ideal for repetitive lifting tasks within a fixed area.
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Can be wall-mounted or free-standing to save space.
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Offers smooth, controlled load positioning.
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Great for loading/unloading workstations or production lines.
Jib cranes are often found near assembly stations, machining centers, or shipping areas where loads need to be moved quickly within a small radius.
What Is a Gantry Crane?
A gantry crane uses a bridge-like structure supported by legs that move along wheels or tracks. The hoist travels along the bridge, providing coverage across a much larger area than a jib crane.
Key advantages of gantry cranes:
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Available in portable and stationary designs.
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Perfect for indoor or outdoor use, including warehouses, yards, or construction sites.
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Handles larger and heavier loads compared to many jib cranes.
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Can be telescoping or adjustable to fit different applications.
Because of their versatility, gantry cranes are a go-to solution for operations that require frequent lifting and moving across wide spaces.
Jib Crane vs. Gantry Crane: Which Should You Choose?
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Space: Jib cranes are compact and best for localized lifting, while gantry cranes cover bigger areas.
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Capacity: Gantry cranes typically handle heavier loads.
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Installation: Jib cranes may require a foundation or wall support; gantry cranes can be portable and moved where needed.
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Application: Jib cranes shine in repetitive workstation tasks, whereas gantry cranes excel at flexible, large-scale load handling.
