What are the applications of stiff boom cranes?
5 min read
In modern industrial, port and maritime operations, jib cranes, as one of the important lifting equipment, play a key role in material handling and loading and unloading. According to different structural forms, jib cranes can be divided into many types. Among them, stiff boom cranes are widely used in multiple complex working environments due to their strong structure, easy operation and stable performance. This article will start from the structural characteristics of stiff boom cranes, deeply analyze its applicable typical working scenarios, and provide valuable reference for the selection of engineering projects.
1. What is a stiff boom crane?
A stiff boom crane is a lifting equipment with a fixed and non-retractable boom structure. Its boom is an integrated steel structure with good strength and torsion resistance. Compared with hydraulic telescopic boom or folding boom cranes, stiff boom cranes have a simpler structure and lower maintenance costs. They are especially suitable for working environments with frequent fixed space or vertical lifting.
Its main components include: rigid boom, rotating platform, base, electric or hydraulic drive system, hoisting hoist or winch, etc. According to different application scenarios, the rigid boom can be installed on the ground, platform, dock or ship deck, with strong adaptability.
2. Main operating scenarios for stiff boom cranes
2.1 Ship and offshore platform operations
Applicable scenario characteristics:
The marine environment is complex, with strong winds and high corrosion;
Limited operating space;
High requirements for equipment stability and corrosion resistance.
Advantages of rigid boom:
Stiff boom cranes are particularly suitable for material lifting and equipment transfer on ship decks or offshore drilling platforms due to their simple structure and stable operation. It can assist in lifting crew living supplies, navigation spare parts, or lifting equipment from the deck to the dock with high operating efficiency. The surface of its steel boom is usually treated with hot-dip galvanizing, epoxy anti-corrosion paint, etc., which effectively resists salt spray and seawater erosion.
2.2 Port loading and unloading operations
Applicable scenario characteristics:
It is necessary to lift containers, wood, steel and other heavy objects at a high frequency;
The lifting object is large in size and requires precise positioning.
Advantages of rigid boom:
In port and terminal operations, stiff boom cranes are often installed on lifting platforms or loading and unloading vehicles as auxiliary equipment. Its good stability and stable boom are conducive to the precise lifting of large materials, especially in docks or inland ports with limited space. Compared with large container cranes, stiff boom cranes are more flexible and suitable for small and medium-sized loading and unloading tasks.
2.3 Material handling in factories and workshops
Applicable scene characteristics:
Fixed lifting path;
High requirements for equipment reliability;
Limited working environment (such as limited factory height).
Advantages of rigid boom:
In factory environments such as mechanical processing, equipment manufacturing, and electrical assembly, stiff boom cranes can be fixed on the ground or wall columns to assist in the handling of large workpieces, molds or components. Its boom can usually rotate to a certain angle (such as 270° or 360°), flexibly covering multiple workstations and improving production efficiency. Due to its simple maintenance and low operating cost, it is very suitable for long-term repeated lifting.
2.4 Temporary lifting at construction sites
Applicable scene characteristics:
Short operation cycle and many temporary lifting needs;
Changeable site environment.
Advantages of rigid boom:
In the construction industry, stiff boom cranes can be used as convenient on-site lifting tools, installed on scaffolding platforms or temporary workstations, and used to lift steel bars, concrete slabs, prefabricated components, etc. Its simple structure makes it easy to disassemble and move, and it does not increase the complexity of construction equipment while meeting short-term operation needs.
2.5 Equipment lifting in the petrochemical industry
Applicable scene characteristics:
Mostly dangerous areas;
The lifting equipment is large and heavy;
High requirements for explosion-proof and anti-corrosion performance.
Advantages of rigid boom:
Stiff boom cranes are often used in the petrochemical industry to lift valves, pump bodies, compressors and other equipment. Its integrated rigid structure reduces the risk of hydraulic leakage, and some models can be equipped with explosion-proof motors, which are suitable for Zone 1 and Zone 2 explosion-proof areas. At the same time, its high load-bearing capacity and precise lifting performance help reduce the risk of repairing and replacing equipment.
2.6 Garbage disposal and environmental protection facilities
Applicable scene characteristics:
Lifting garbage bins, filters, sewage treatment components;
High frequency of operation;
Corrosive environment.
Advantages of rigid boom:
In waste incineration plants, sewage treatment plants and other scenarios, stiff boom cranes can be used with fixed platforms to perform maintenance and lifting work on heavy barrels, grille devices and other components. Its compact design enables high-frequency lifting operations in a limited space, and it has good corrosion resistance to ensure long-term stable operation of the equipment.
2.7 Military and emergency rescue equipment lifting
Applicable scenario features:
Fast lifting speed requirements;
Complex environment, such as mountainous areas, earthquake zones, etc.
Advantages of rigid boom:
Stiff boom cranes are frequently installed on military vehicles, emergency command vehicles and other equipment for lifting rescue equipment, logistical materials, etc. It has a quick response and simple operation, which is very suitable for scenarios with rapid deployment and high-frequency operations.
3. Stiff boom crane selection suggestions
According to the needs of different operating scenarios, the following factors should be considered when selecting a stiff boom crane:
Lifting load weight: a 20% safety margin should be left when selecting;
Boom length and rotation range: consider whether the operating coverage is met;
Installation method: ground installation, wall installation or marine flange fixation;
Drive system: electric, hydraulic or manual, select according to frequency and accuracy requirements;
Anti-corrosion and explosion-proof requirements: corrosion resistance or explosion-proof level should be considered especially in marine and chemical environments;
Certification and standards: products with international certifications such as CE and ISO are given priority.
Stiff boom cranes have shown wide applicability in multiple industry scenarios such as ships, ports, factories, construction, petrochemicals, environmental protection and military use due to their advantages of high structural rigidity, strong stability and easy maintenance. Choosing a suitable stiff boom crane can not only improve operating efficiency, but also significantly reduce equipment maintenance costs. It is an indispensable and important part of modern material handling systems.
If you are looking for high-quality stiff boom crane equipment for your project, you may wish to consult a professional crane equipment manufacturer based on actual working conditions to obtain the most suitable solution.
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SHANGHAI HAOYO MACHINERY CO., LTD.
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