How Does a Portable Jib Crane on Wheels Work in a Workshop?


See how a portable jib crane on wheels is moved to different work areas without a suspended load, then used for lifting and positioning loads in a workshop.

Short Video Description

This video shows a portable jib crane on wheels designed for lifting work at different positions in a workshop.

The crane can be moved to the required work area when it is not carrying a load. After the crane is positioned and secured, the electric chain hoist or wire rope hoist lifts and positions the load within the jib working area.

The 500kg manual travelling model is moved manually when unloaded, while the 1 ton and 2 ton electric travelling models use powered travel to reposition the unloaded crane.


This design is useful for maintenance, machine servicing, assembly and other jobs where a fixed lifting point is not practical.

Small portable jib crane on wheels for light duty material handling

Small portable jib crane on wheels for light duty material handling


Main Specifications

ItemSpecification
Crane typePortable Jib Crane on Wheels
Rated capacity500kg / 1 ton / 2 ton
Travelling typeManual or Electric
Hoist typeElectric Chain Hoist / Electric Wire Rope Hoist, depending on model
Jib lengthCustomized according to working area
Lifting heightCustomized
Jib rotationCustomized according to design
Crane travellingManual or electric, without suspended load
Hoist travelAlong jib arm, depending on configuration
ControlPendant control or radio remote control for electric models
Power supply380V/50Hz/3Ph or customized for electric models
BaseWheeled portable base
Typical useMachine maintenance, loading, assembly, repair and workshop material handling

How Does a Portable Jib Crane on Wheels Work?

A portable jib crane uses a wheeled base so the crane can be repositioned around the workshop.

The crane is moved to the required working position without a suspended load. Once it reaches the lifting position, the crane is set in place according to the manufacturer's operating procedure.

The hoist then lifts the load and the jib provides the required reach for loading, maintenance or assembly work.

There are two common travelling arrangements:

  • 500kg manual travelling: The unloaded crane is moved manually to the required work position.
  • 1–2 ton electric travelling: A powered travelling mechanism moves the unloaded crane with less manual effort.

The travelling mechanism is therefore used to reposition the crane, not to transport a suspended load around the workshop.

This is an important point when selecting a portable jib crane. It is a mobile lifting station, not a small mobile crane for carrying loads from one location to another.

500KG Manual or 1–2 Ton Electric Travelling — Which One?

The choice depends mainly on the crane capacity, crane weight, travel frequency and workshop layout.

For a 500kg manual travelling jib crane, manual movement can be practical when the crane is used occasionally and the floor is smooth and level.

For 1 ton or 2 ton portable jib cranes, electric travelling can reduce the effort required to reposition the unloaded crane, especially when the crane is heavier or needs to move frequently.

Yuantai Crane considers the lifting capacity, crane self-weight, wheel arrangement, floor condition, travel distance and working frequency when selecting the travelling system.

Two portable jib cranes with the same lifting capacity can therefore have different travelling requirements.

What Floor Conditions Does a Portable Jib Crane Need?

A portable jib crane transfers its weight and working loads through the wheels to the workshop floor. The floor should therefore be strong, level and suitable for the wheel loads.

Before using the crane, buyers should check:

  • Concrete floor condition
  • Floor load capacity
  • Floor levelness
  • Cracks or damaged areas
  • Travel path width
  • Door and machine clearance
  • Obstacles along the travel route

The crane can be moved around the workshop, but the travel route still needs to be planned. Wheels solve the mobility problem. They do not solve a bad floor.

FAQ

Key questions about portable jib crane operation, travelling methods and workshop applications.

1. How does a portable jib crane on wheels work?

The complete jib crane is supported by a wheeled base. The crane is moved to the required work area without a suspended load. Once positioned, the hoist lifts and handles the load within the jib working area.

2. What is the difference between a 500kg manual and 1–2 ton electric portable jib crane?

A 500kg manual model can be suitable for lighter and occasional work. 1 ton and 2 ton electric models use powered travelling to reduce the effort needed to reposition the unloaded crane.

3. Can a portable jib crane travel with a suspended load?

No. The portable jib crane is normally moved without a suspended load. The crane is first positioned at the required lifting area. The load is then lifted and handled within the crane's working range according to the manufacturer's operating procedure.

Key questions about capacity selection, floor conditions and buying a portable jib crane.

4. What should I check before buying a portable jib crane?

Check the lifting capacity, jib length, lifting height, crane weight, wheel load, floor condition, travel distance and working frequency. The required hook position and available travel space should also be considered.

5. Is a manual travelling jib crane suitable for 500kg lifting?

It can be suitable when the crane is used on a level, smooth floor and does not need to be repositioned frequently. For heavier cranes or frequent movement, electric travelling can reduce operator effort.

6. What information does Yuantai Crane need for a quotation?

Buyers should provide capacity, lifting height, jib length, travelling distance, manual or electric travelling requirement, working frequency, power supply and floor conditions. A workshop drawing, travel route or site photos are also helpful.

Article by Bella ,who has been in the hoist and crane field since 2016. Bella provides overhead crane & gantry crane consultation services for clients who need a customized overhead travelling crane solution.Contact her to get free consultation.


Yuantai Cranes

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  • Main Specifications - Capacity: 0.5–550 tons | Span: up to 40m | Speed: 0.8–12 m/min | Duty: A3–A7 | Power: 380–690V, 50/60Hz | Control: pendant/remote/cabin
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  • Crane type:_____ . (e.g., overhead crane, gantry crane, jib crane)
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