Jib Crane vs Gantry Crane: Which One Suits Your Need?

Both are powerful lifting solutions, but they serve distinct purposes depending on the workspace, load capacity, and mobility requirements.

This guide compares the technical features, applications, pros, and cons of jib cranes vs. gantry cranes, helping you determine the right fit for your facility. With real-world examples from Aardwolf—a leading manufacturer of lifting systems—you’ll gain insight into what works best for your operation.

To explore industry-standard options, browse The resolutions of Jib Cranes.

What Are Jib Cranes?

Jib cranes are fixed or semi-fixed lifting systems with a rotating horizontal arm (the jib or boom) that supports a hoist. They are commonly mounted on floors, walls, ceilings, or pillars and are designed for localized, repetitive lifting tasks.

Key Jib Crane Variants

• Freestanding Jib Crane: Mounted on concrete foundation; full 360° rotation

• Wall Mounted Jib Crane: Attached to a structural wall; rotation of 180°–200°

• Ceiling Mounted Jib Crane: Suspended from overhead beams; saves floor space

• Articulating Jib Crane: Dual-arm system for maneuvering around obstacles

• Pillar Jib Crane: Floor-mounted to a column or fabricated pillar structure

Explore the full breakdown on How to use Jib Cranes efficiently.

What Are Gantry Cranes?

Gantry cranes are mobile or fixed cranes supported by two vertical legs and a horizontal beam. They can be either track-mounted or portable with wheels, and are ideal for covering large work areas or lifting loads across wide distances.

Types of Gantry Cranes

• Fixed Gantry: Stationary setup for heavy-duty lifting in a defined space

• Portable Gantry: Mobile, ideal for maintenance or lightweight loads

• Adjustable Height Gantry: Height and span can be changed depending on task

• Track-Mounted Gantry: Covers wide facility spaces with high load capacity

Comparative Overview: Jib Crane vs Gantry Crane

For more context, see What is the difference between jib vs overhead crane.

Use Case Examples from Aardwolf Customers

Example 1: Automotive Plant – Articulated Jib Crane

• Product: Articulated Jib Crane Wall Mounted

• Application: Precise part installation in tight engine bay spaces

• Result: Reduced labor requirements by 50%, optimized workflow in confined cells

Example 2: Sheet Metal Facility – Wall Mounted Jib Crane

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

• Application: Lifting raw metal sheets from racks to cutting tables

• Result: Increased lifting cycles per shift by 30%

Example 3: Outdoor Storage Yard – Gantry Crane

• Product: Aardwolf Portable Gantry Crane (Custom Build)

• Application: Handling stone slabs for delivery prep

• Result: Flexible lifting across changing outdoor layouts

Choosing the Right Crane for Your Facility

When to Choose a Jib Crane

• You need repetitive lifting at fixed workstations

• You want minimal floor obstruction

• You need a cost-effective and compact solution

Jib cranes excel in focused environments like:

• CNC loading/unloading

• Molding operations

• Small fabrication cells

• Tool and die handling

When to Choose a Gantry Crane

• You need mobility across work zones

• You require higher load capacity

• You have no structural support for mounting

Gantry cranes are ideal for:

• Moving goods in large warehouses

• Temporary lift setups

• Outdoor applications without ceiling structures

Factors That Affect Crane Selection

1. Load Capacity

• Typical jib cranes: Up to 2 tons

• Gantry cranes: Up to 10+ tons for heavy-duty models

2. Span and Coverage Area

• Jib cranes cover a radial area

• Gantry cranes cover linear space across bays or warehouse aisles

3. Installation Constraints

• Jib cranes may need reinforced walls or concrete footing

• Gantry cranes require unobstructed paths for wheel movement

4. Maintenance and Upkeep

Both crane types require regular maintenance. See Step by step to jib cranes for detailed installation and servicing.

Pros and Cons Summary

Jib Cranes

Pros:

• Space-efficient

• Ideal for repetitive, localized lifting

• Lower installation and ownership cost

Cons:

• Limited mobility

• Structural mounting required

Gantry Cranes

Pros:

• Highly mobile (portable models)

• High load and span capacity

• No building modifications needed

Cons:

• Takes up floor space

• May require manual repositioning

Final Verdict: Which Crane Is Right for You?

Choosing between jib cranes and gantry cranes depends on your specific operational needs. If your focus is localized lifting in compact spaces, jib cranes are your best bet. For broader movement and flexibility, especially in larger or changing environments, gantry cranes offer unmatched versatility.

For integrated material handling solutions, visit The resolutions of Jib Cranes. Whether you need a fixed installation or mobile lifting assistance, Aardwolf provides models tailored to your exact specifications.

Need help with sizing or setup? Explore How to optimize wall-mounted jib cranes or reach out for consultation.

References

1.     How to operate a Jib Cranes safely

2.     What is a Jib Crane?

3.     Over brace jib crane wall mounted

4.     Wall mounted Jib Crane

5.     Is a Jib Crane a Gantry Crane

6.     Articulated Jib Crane Wall Mounted

7.     Where is Jib Crane used?

8.     Manual Counterbalance Crane

9.     Floor Mounted Jib Crane

10.  Over Braced Jib Crane Column Mounted

11.  Powered counterbalance Crane

12.  Portable Gantry Crane