The choice between an overhead crane and a jib crane is one of the most frequently asked questions among companies looking to optimize their internal material handling. Both crane types have clear strengths, but they are designed for fundamentally different applications. In this article, we answer the most relevant questions so you can confidently make the right choice for your situation.
What is the difference between an overhead crane and a jib crane?
An overhead crane is a crane system that travels across the full width of a facility via rails mounted high on the walls or on freestanding columns. A jib crane is a slewing crane with a projecting arm that rotates around a fixed mast or wall. The core difference lies in the working area: an overhead crane covers a rectangular surface, while a jib crane covers a circular segment.
Both cranes lift and move loads, but they do so in very different ways. An overhead crane travels along the entire length and width of a facility, making it suitable for large, open production floors. A jib crane works locally: it rotates around its own axis and serves a limited but precisely defined working area. In practice, the two are also regularly combined, with the jib crane handling the finer movements at a specific workstation while the overhead crane manages heavy transport over longer distances.
What working area does each crane type cover best?
An overhead crane is best suited for large rectangular working areas, such as complete production halls or warehouses. A jib crane is best suited for a circular segment of typically 180 to 360 degrees around a fixed point, making it ideal for individual workstations or narrow aisles.
In practical terms, this means the following:
- Overhead crane: covers the entire floor area between the rails, from wall to wall and along the full travel length
- Jib crane: covers a sector around the mast or wall mount, with a typical reach of two to eight meters
If you have multiple workstations in a facility, each with their own local lifting requirements, a combination of both crane types is often the smartest solution. The overhead crane then handles facility-wide transport, while jib cranes perform the finer operations at each station without the overhead crane being constantly occupied.
When should you choose an overhead crane?
An overhead crane is the right choice when you need to move heavy loads over long distances through a facility, when multiple workstations need to be served by a single crane system, or when the floor space must remain free of obstacles and columns.
Situations where an overhead crane is strongly preferred:
- Production facilities where products are transported through multiple processing stations
- Storage warehouses where pallets or heavy goods are moved across the full length of the building
- Workshops where the floor must remain completely clear for vehicles and personnel
- Applications with lifting capacities ranging from a few hundred kilograms to 250 tonnes or more
The overhead crane is also the most flexible option if the work process may change in the future. By adapting the travel length or rail gauge to the facility’s dimensions, the system fits precisely within the existing infrastructure.
When is a jib crane the better choice?
A jib crane is the better choice when you want to serve a specific workstation locally, when the facility does not allow for a continuous rail structure, or when a fast and maneuverable lifting solution is needed for repetitive operations at a single location.
Typical applications for a jib crane include:
- Loading and unloading positions at machines or production equipment
- Workstations where operators need to handle components independently and quickly
- Narrow or irregularly shaped spaces where an overhead crane does not fit
- Outdoor applications or dockside locations where a freestanding mast jib crane is more practical
A jib crane requires less investment than a full overhead crane system and can be deployed quickly. This makes it an attractive option for companies looking to improve an existing production process without reconfiguring the entire facility.
What lifting capacity and span do you need?
You determine the required lifting capacity based on the weight of the heaviest load you regularly lift, including a safety margin. The span — that is, the width the crane bridges — is determined by the distance between the rails or the reach of the jib arm needed to fully cover your working area.
When determining capacity, take the following into account:
- Rated load: the maximum weight the crane is permitted to lift
- Dynamic loading: additional forces caused by acceleration, braking, and swinging loads
- Span: with larger spans, beam deflection increases, which affects the structural design
- Lifting height: the clear height available beneath the roof structure or rail mounting
For jib cranes, the reach of the arm directly affects the moment exerted on the mast or wall. A longer arm requires a stronger mounting and foundation. It is therefore important to assess the structural capabilities of the existing facility or building early in the process.
How does the selection process for a custom crane system work?
The selection process for a custom crane system typically involves an intake consultation, a technical analysis of the situation, a custom design, and then realization and delivery. The key is that all requirements and wishes relating to the work process are fully mapped out during the design phase.
With us, you go through the following process:
- Assessment: together we map out the work environment, the loads, the movements, and the operational requirements
- Technical design: our design team works out the system in full, including structural and electrical engineering
- Project preparation and planning: we align production and installation with your operational schedule
- Manufacturing and installation: certified technicians build the system at our workshop in Veghel and install it on site
- Inspection and commissioning: as an accredited inspection body, we carry out all legally required tests prior to handover
- Maintenance and inspection: after handover, we provide annual inspections and preventive maintenance
What makes this process distinctive is that you work with a single point of contact throughout the entire project. This keeps communication clear and prevents information from being lost between different parties. Whether you are weighing up an overhead crane, a jib crane, or a combination of both, we help you reach the best decision based on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine an overhead crane and a jib crane in the same facility?
Yes, this is actually a frequently chosen solution. The overhead crane handles heavy transport across the entire facility floor, while jib cranes at each workstation carry out local, repetitive operations. This keeps the overhead crane available for other tasks and allows operators to work more efficiently at their own stations.
What are the main structural requirements for installing a jib crane?
For a wall-mounted jib crane, the wall or column must be strong enough to absorb the lifting moment of the projecting arm. For a freestanding mast jib crane, a solid foundation in the floor is required. It is advisable to have the structural capabilities of your building assessed early in the process, so there are no surprises during installation.
How long does it typically take for a custom crane system to become operational?
The lead time depends on the complexity of the system, but generally allow for several weeks to a few months from design to handover. A simple jib crane can be realized more quickly than a full overhead crane system with a custom rail structure. Starting the assessment and planning early significantly reduces the waiting time.
What maintenance is legally required after a crane is installed?
In the Netherlands, cranes are subject to an annual statutory inspection by an accredited inspection body. In addition to this inspection, preventive maintenance is strongly recommended to prevent breakdowns and extend the service life of the system. Make sure to arrange a maintenance contract at the time of purchase to ensure continuity.