Magnetic Gantry Crane vs. Slewing Jib Crane: Choosing the Best Crane

What Is a Slewing Jib Crane?
A slewing jib crane has a horizontal arm (called a jib) that rotates around a fixed base or pillar. The arm swings in a circle, allowing the crane to reach different spots nearby. It can be mounted on the floor, a wall, or a column, and often includes a magnet for scrap handling.

Where Are They Used in Scrap Yards?
Slewing jib cranes are common in smaller yards or confined spaces where full gantry cranes won't fit. They are good for lifting medium-weight scrap and moving it within a limited area.

Key Features to Know:

• Rotating Arm: The jib can turn 360°, making it easy to reach multiple spots without moving the base.
• Fixed or Mobile Base: Can be set on a pillar, wall, or sometimes on a small trolley for limited movement.
• Magnet or Grab: Often equipped with an electromagnet for handling scrap metal.
• Space-Saving: Takes up less floor space compared to gantry cranes, ideal for tight yards.

How much space the crane needs and how it fits in your yard matters a lot.

• Footprint and Ground Space: Magnetic gantry cranes require a larger footprint due to their wide frame and track system. They need clear rails or pathways to move along. Slewing jib cranes have a smaller base and take up less ground space, perfect for yards with limited room.
• Impact on Yard Traffic: Gantry cranes' movement along fixed rails can limit traffic flow if the yard is busy or congested. Jib cranes, fixed in one spot but able to rotate, generally cause less interference with vehicle or worker movement.
• Layout Flexibility: Slewing jib cranes work better in tight or irregular yard layouts where installing gantry rails is not possible or practical.

Moving scrap quickly from one spot to another depends on how the crane moves.

• Movement Type: Magnetic gantry cranes travel along rails or wheels on the ground, covering long distances in a straight line. Slewing jib cranes rotate around a fixed base but cannot travel across the yard.
• Work Zone Coverage: Gantry cranes can serve large work zones, moving scrap over wide areas. Jib cranes focus on a smaller work zone, but their 360-degree rotation allows them to reach all points around the base.
• Repositioning: Gantry cranes are generally fixed in place because rails are installed permanently. Slewing jib cranes can be relocated more easily if mounted on mobile bases or wheels.

Power source and control type impact efficiency and ease of use.

• Power Options: Both cranes usually run on electricity. Magnetic gantry cranes require a stable power supply to operate heavy lifting and electromagnets. Slewing jib cranes can be electric or hydraulic, depending on the model and size.
• Control Methods: Gantry cranes are often controlled by operators in a cabin or remotely via radio control. Slewing jib cranes are usually operated from the ground using remote controls or control panels. Automation options exist for both but are more common in larger gantry systems.
• Integration: Gantry cranes require infrastructure like rails and electrical wiring. Jib cranes need less infrastructure, making them easier to fit into existing yards.

Keeping cranes running smoothly requires attention to maintenance and durability.

• Maintenance Frequency: Magnetic gantry cranes have more complex systems and may require more frequent maintenance checks, especially for the magnet, rails, and moving parts. Slewing jib cranes are simpler, needing less frequent but still regular maintenance.
• Wear Parts and Costs: Both cranes have wear parts like cables, motors, and brakes. Gantry cranes can have higher replacement costs because of their larger components and rail systems. Jib cranes' parts tend to be smaller and less expensive.
• Durability: Both crane types are built tough to withstand harsh outdoor environments, but gantry cranes' larger size and exposure to more moving parts can mean more wear over time. Proper maintenance extends the life of both.

Buying the crane is just the start; installation adds to the budget.

• Foundations and Runways: Magnetic gantry cranes need strong, level foundations and rails for smooth movement, which can be costly and time-consuming. Slewing jib cranes usually require a solid base or pillar, but no rails, making installation simpler and cheaper.
• Labor and Time: Installing a gantry crane can take weeks, involving heavy equipment and skilled labor. Slewing jib cranes typically take less time and can sometimes be set up in days.
• Extra Infrastructure: Gantry cranes might need electrical wiring along the rails and special safety barriers. Jib cranes often require fewer extras.

What it costs to keep the crane running matters a lot over time.

• Energy Use: Magnetic gantry cranes use more power because they lift heavier loads and run motors to move along rails. Slewing jib cranes consume less energy, as they handle lighter loads and have simpler movement.
• Maintenance and Spare Parts: Bigger cranes usually mean bigger maintenance bills. Gantry cranes have more parts to inspect and repair—rails, wheels, magnet coils, and more. Slewing jib cranes have fewer components and lower maintenance costs.
• Downtime Costs: When a crane is out of order, the yard slows down. Gantry cranes are critical to operations, so downtime can be costly. Jib cranes' smaller role may mean less impact during repairs.

Looking at just the purchase price doesn't tell the whole story.

• Summing It Up: Consider all costs: buying the crane, installing it, running it day-to-day, and maintaining it over years. Magnetic gantry cranes cost more upfront and to run, but for large yards, their efficiency can balance that out. Slewing jib cranes cost less overall but may not handle heavy workloads as well.
• Return on Investment: A gantry crane's higher cost makes sense if you need to move big loads fast and cover a large area. For smaller yards or lighter tasks, a jib crane can deliver good value without breaking the bank.

Think about the weight and size of the scrap metal you move daily.

• For heavy, bulky scrap, go for cranes with higher lifting capacities.
• If most of your loads are medium weight, a smaller crane may be more cost-effective and practical.
• Don't forget to factor in any occasional heavier loads to avoid surprises.

Your budget plays a big role, but remember to look beyond the sticker price.

• Consider upfront costs, installation expenses, and ongoing maintenance and energy costs.
• Sometimes paying more upfront saves money over the long run through greater efficiency or lower downtime.
• Balance cost with expected performance to get the best value.

Your yard might grow or change over time, so think ahead.

• Will you need to handle heavier loads or cover a bigger area in the future?
• Magnetic gantry cranes usually support larger operations but are harder to move or modify.
• Slewing jib cranes can often be relocated or adjusted more easily if your needs change.

A crane is only as good as your ability to keep it running.

• Check if your team has the skills to maintain complex cranes like gantry systems.
• Simpler cranes like jib cranes might be easier to maintain with limited staff.
• Factor in the availability of spare parts and technical support nearby.

Example 1: Metal Waste Yard Using a Magnetic Gantry Crane

A large metal recycling yard in the Midwest handles tons of heavy steel scrap every day. They installed a magnetic gantry crane that runs on rails across the entire yard. This setup lets them quickly lift and move large scrap bundles from trucks to sorting areas without delay. The crane's high lifting capacity and wide coverage improved their workflow and cut loading times in half. While installation was costly, the yard's size and heavy scrap volumes made it the right choice.

Example 2: Yard Operating Efficiently with a Slewing Jib Crane

A smaller scrap yard near the city center uses a slewing jib crane mounted on a sturdy pillar. Space is limited, and the yard handles medium-weight scrap from local businesses. The jib crane's 360-degree rotation helps operators move scrap around tight corners and into storage piles without needing to reposition trucks or forklifts. This crane's lower cost and simple maintenance have made it a reliable tool that fits well in their smaller, busy space.