Slewing Jib Cranes: Versatile Lifting Solutions

1. Slewing jib cranes included in this section may be:
2. Wall-mounted, column-mounted, or free-standing in design.
3. Constructed using standard structural sections or proprietary track systems.
4. Suitable for a variety of general-purpose lifting applications across many industrial settings.

• Wall-mounted or column-mounted, using an existing structure, or
• Free-standing, built into a custom support column.

• A vertical shaft with top and bottom journals that rotate in bearings (Figure 10.3a), or
• A fabricated section with spigots and rollers designed for tubular column jibs (Figure 10.3b).

• Height is measured from the floor to the underside of the jib arm.
• Overall height is measured from the floor to the highest point of the crane.

• Wall-mounted, using drilled bolt holes in the brackets.
• Column-mounted, using clamp fixings that wrap around a structural column.

• Wall-mounted jibs typically offer a 180° angle of slew.
• Column-mounted jibs can reach up to 270°, depending on the length and design of the brackets.
• Stops may be installed to limit the swing to any desired position within the arc.

• Tubular columns allow for continuous 360° rotation.
• Box or fabricated sections typically allow up to 270° slew, with stops to limit the swing.

• Slip ring units are used for electric hoists when 360° rotation is required—avoiding cable twisting.
• For pneumatic hoists, the air is routed internally through the column and along the jib via a flexible hose. In these cases, rotation must be limited to avoid damaging hoses or fittings.

• Custom-built for specific tasks
• Configured from standard kits, offering quicker and more economical solutions

• A qualified engineer must verify the supporting structure’s ability to withstand the added loads.

• Require engineered foundations considering column type, soil loading, mounting method, and imposed forces.

• Underbraced jibs with spaced bracing allow trolley passage, but reduce slewing angle and increase arm width.

• Size and type of column
• Fixing details (bolt type, grade, size, PCD)
• Minimum foundation dimensions
• Downward load reaction
• Turning moment at full outreach

When it comes to slewing jib cranes, compliance with health and safety legislation is critical. This section outlines the key legal responsibilities for suppliers, purchasers, and users.

• Compliance with essential health and safety requirements
• Any standards used in the structure's design and manufacture
• Information for use to ensure safe operation

• Be clearly marked
• Be delivered with all relevant legal documentation
• Comply with the applicable design and manufacturing standards for lifting equipment

• After any repair work, especially to the foundation or fixings, the crane must be:
• Re-verified by a Competent Person

• The crane's safety relies on secure foundations or structural supports.
• If wall- or column-mounted, a qualified engineer must verify that the existing structure can support the loads.
• Free-standing cranes must be mounted on foundations capable of resisting the overturning moment. (Refer to 10.4.2)

• For clamp-mounted jibs (e.g. on structural columns), prevent slippage by fitting positive stops beneath the clamps.

• Adjust the trolley to match the beam width.
• If installed from the end of the jib, ensure all bolts and end stops are re-secured properly. (See Section 8)

• Install the hoist and, if applicable, the electrical or pneumatic feed as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Refer to:

• Confirm all bolts and fixings are in place and tightened.
• Ensure:

• Structural verification and installation checks
• Load testing, even if electrical/mechanical systems were pre-tested at the factory
• Proof load test at 1.25x the Safe Working Load (SWL)
• Inspection of:

• Tests should follow the design standard for the crane.
• The manufacturer provides the maximum permissible deflection, which is compared against test results.
• A variation of more than ±10% in deflection indicates a potential installation issue.

• Trolley does not roll uncontrollably when loaded
• Gradient of jib arm allows smooth trolley travel
• Arm does not slew on its own
• Load can be accurately positioned

• If no serial number is supplied by the manufacturer, the user must apply a unique identifier to link with inspection and examination reports.

• Clearly marked on both sides of the jib arm
• Must be visible from operating level

• Where applicable, indicate the design/manufacturing standard

• If supplied without a lifting appliance:

• Ensure traceability

• As defined by crane duty classification

• When not in use, position the jib arm so it does not obstruct people, goods, or vehicles in the area
• If the crane is used infrequently:    

• If removal is not practical, then:

1. Corrosion, deformation, or damage to the structure (e.g. bent jib arm, twisted column)
2. Cracked or crumbling walls (for wall-mounted cranes)
3. End stops – ensure they’re effective, correctly bolted, and not making contact with trolley wheel flanges
4. Loose/missing bolts or washers, including foundation fixings
5. Foundation bolt movement – follow manufacturer guidance or consult a Competent Person
6. Slewing issues – difficulty rotating or uncontrolled movement
7. Load behaviour – runaway trolleys, difficulty moving loads may indicate overloading or damage

1. Lubrication – Bearings, gears, and slewing mechanisms must be regularly lubricated
2. Track cleaning – Keep trolley path free of debris; clean wheels
3. Structural integrity – Check bolts, fixings, and supports; re-torque or replace as needed
4. End and slewing stops – Inspect and verify positioning
5. Electrical systems –

• Inspect entry glands and flexible cables for wear
• Check slip rings, carbon buildup, brushes, and collectors
• Conduct regular insulation and earth continuity tests

• Never exceed the crane’s marked SWL.
• Always factor in the weight of the hoist, slings, and lifting accessories—these reduce the crane’s effective lifting capacity.

• Do not drag loads using the hook or crane travel motion.

• Misalignment causes the jib arm to swing and may cause trolley whipping during lift.

• Take up the load gently.
• Confirm all attachments are secure.
• Avoid shock loads—especially important during trial lifts or when setting loads down.

• Ensure the path of the jib arm and load is clear before movement.
• Operators must maintain full visibility of the travel path.

• For hand-push cranes or trolleys, push the load—this gives better control and safety.

• Load swing increases the risk of:

• Sudden lifts, stops, or movements can impose dangerous forces on the crane structure.

• When lifting or positioning items like machine tool parts or chucks, avoid swing or jarring motion.

• Switching to a powered hoist?

• Have good eyesight
• Be able to accurately judge distances, heights, and clearances
• Receive specific training that develops these spatial awareness skills in the context of crane operation

• Where manual pushing or pulling of the load is required (e.g., for hand-push trolleys or cranes), the operator should be: