Jib Crane Radius, Height, and Reach: Key Sizing Tips

These specifications determine how the crane will integrate with your workspace, the loads it can manage, and how efficiently it supports your material handling operations. Whether you're investing in a freestanding jib crane, wall mounted jib crane, ceiling mounted jib crane, articulating jib crane, or pillar jib crane, getting these sizing factors right is essential for productivity, safety, and operational ROI.

For an overview of all available crane types, explore The resolution of Jib Cranes.

Why Size Matters for Jib Cranes

A jib crane is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Choosing the wrong dimensions can result in limited lifting zones, obstruction hazards, or even structural inefficiencies. The right combination of radius, height under boom, and reach allows your team to:

• Maximize floor space usage

• Avoid workplace congestion

• Improve lifting ergonomics

• Match crane performance to task complexity

Let’s break down each of these parameters in detail.

What Is Radius in Jib Cranes?

The radius (sometimes referred to as boom length or arm length) is the horizontal distance from the crane’s pivot point to the furthest point of load travel.

Typical Radius Ranges by Crane Type:

• Freestanding Jib Cranes: 2m to 6m (can rotate 360°)

• Wall Mounted Jib Cranes: 2m to 5m (rotation of 180°–200°)

• Ceiling Mounted Jib Cranes: Up to 6m depending on beam structure

• Articulating Jib Cranes: Variable radius due to segmented boom arms

• Pillar Jib Cranes: Similar to freestanding, often up to 5m radius

To evaluate your required radius, measure the distance between the crane’s installation point and the furthest pickup/drop-off location within the work cell.

Learn How to use Jib Cranes efficiently in confined or open-floor facilities.

Understanding Height Under Boom (HUB)

The height under boom refers to the distance from the ground to the underside of the jib arm. It determines how high the crane can lift and clear over other equipment or structures.

Common Applications:

• Wall Mounted Jib Cranes: Set at head height for easy access to machines

• Pillar Jib Cranes: Provide added vertical clearance for tall items

• Ceiling Mounted Jib Cranes: Maximize lift height by eliminating floor obstructions

Ensure the HUB exceeds your load height—including slings and hooks—while maintaining clearance from ceilings, pipes, or lighting.

For structural planning, review An installation to jib cranes.

What Is Reach and Why Is It Important?

The reach is the functional area that the crane can cover during operation. It’s a result of radius and rotation range. For instance:

• 360° rotation with a 5m radius gives a circular 10m-diameter coverage.

• 180° rotation on a wall mounted unit limits the coverage to a semicircle.

Assess workflow movement—does your operator need to lift from a tool rack and rotate to a machine? Your reach must support that without repositioning.

Aardwolf Jib Crane Examples by Sizing

Example 1: Wall Mounted Jib Crane for Sheet Metal

• Client: Fabrication Workshop, Victoria

• Product: Wall Mounted Jib Crane – 4m-250

• Setup: 4m radius, 180° rotation, HUB 2.8m

• Result: Reduced manual handling injuries and cut load transfer time by 30%.

Example 2: Articulating Jib Crane in Automotive Assembly

• Client: Car Component Manufacturer, Melbourne

• Product: Articulated Jib Crane Wall Mounted

• Setup: Dual-arm reach, fits around engine bays

• Result: Single-operator lifting with precision, improving efficiency in tight spaces.

How to Select the Right Dimensions

Step 1: Identify Application Needs

• Pick/Place zone locations

• Load sizes and weights

• Operator ergonomics

Step 2: Assess Facility Layout

• Overhead obstructions

• Floor structure and wall integrity

• Traffic flow

Step 3: Match Crane Type

Engineering Tips

• Boom Deflection: Long-radius arms may sag under full load—confirm deflection limits with your vendor.

• Rotation Stops: Add mechanical stops if rotation beyond a set radius is unsafe.

• Load Trolley Width: Factor in trolley size—it affects usable reach slightly.

Compare features with What is the difference between crane and jib cranes.

Final Thoughts

When specifying a jib crane, getting the dimensions right ensures your investment performs efficiently without future retrofits. Consider not only the radius and HUB but how they interact with your workflow and facility constraints.

Whether you’re building a new warehouse or optimizing an existing workstation, Aardwolf offers a complete suite of jib cranes tailored to every space and task.

• See the full lineup at The resolution of Jib Cranes

• For project-based consultations or installation, start with How to use Jib Cranes efficiently

• Learn more about Optimizing wall-mounted jib cranes

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