If you need to lift, position, and lower heavy loads in a defined workspace — repeatedly and safely — a jib crane is one of the most efficient solutions available. A jib crane puts a lifting point exactly where you need it, rotates to cover a work arc, and pairs with a hoist to give you controlled, repeatable lifts without the cost or footprint of an overhead runway crane.

The challenge is choosing the right type. Fixed jib cranes, portable workshop cranes, and vehicle-mounted ute cranes all carry loads — but they serve fundamentally different applications, have different installation requirements, and are subject to different compliance obligations. Picking the wrong one means either over-engineering a simple need or under-specifying a critical lift.

This guide covers every type of jib crane in common Australian use, how to select the right capacity and configuration, what AS1418 compliance requires, how to use them safely, and how they compare to alternative lifting solutions. Whether you're outfitting a workshop, a field service vehicle, or a manufacturing cell, this is the reference to get it right first time.

What Is a Jib Crane?

A jib crane consists of two main structural elements: a vertical mast or mounting point, and a horizontal projecting arm — the jib. The load hangs from a hoist or hook block that travels along the jib. Most designs allow the jib to rotate in a horizontal arc, which defines the crane's working envelope.

The terms jib, boom, and arm are used interchangeably in trade and throughout Australian Standards. They all refer to the horizontal projecting member. The jib is what gives this crane type its name and its primary advantage: it brings the lifting point to the load rather than requiring the load to be positioned directly under a fixed hook.

Key parameters for any jib crane:

• Rated capacity — the maximum load the crane is designed and tested to lift, expressed in kilograms or tonnes. Australian Standard AS1418 uses "rated capacity" rather than the older term "Safe Working Load (SWL)" — though SWL remains common in the field. They mean the same thing in practice for standard duty applications.
• Boom (jib) length — the horizontal distance from the pivot to the hook, which determines how far from the mast you can position a load.
• Rotation arc — the sweep of the jib, typically 180–200° for wall-mounted cranes and up to 360° for freestanding units.
• Lift height — the vertical travel available between the lowest and highest hook positions, determined by the hoist or winch specification.

Jib cranes are designed to work with a hoist — electric chain hoist, manual lever hoist, or wire rope winch — mounted on the jib. The crane provides the structural arm; the hoist provides the lift. For guidance on selecting the right hoist, see our Electric Hoist Guide.

Types of Jib Cranes

Six configurations cover the vast majority of jib crane applications in Australian workshops, factories, and field operations. Each has a distinct use case — the right choice depends on your workspace, installation options, and how the crane will be used.

1. Freestanding / Pillar Jib Crane

A pillar jib crane stands on its own column, bolted directly into a concrete floor. The column takes all vertical and lateral loads from the jib, meaning no wall or structural element is involved. The jib rotates up to 360° around the column, giving maximum coverage.

This is the most common configuration for dedicated lifting cells in manufacturing and fabrication. It can be positioned anywhere on the workshop floor — not just near a wall — and its full 360° arc makes it highly productive for loading/unloading operations where loads arrive from multiple directions.

Requirements: Adequate concrete slab depth and strength (typically 200–300mm reinforced, depending on rated capacity — your supplier or engineer will specify). Anchor bolts must be installed into concrete that has reached full cure — minimum 28 days for standard concrete mixes. A structural engineer's sign-off is required for anything beyond light-duty units.

Typical capacity range: 125 kg to 5,000 kg. Boom lengths 2–6 m. Operating temperatures -20°C to +50°C for standard units.

2. Wall-Mounted Jib Crane

Wall-mounted jib cranes attach directly to a structural wall, column, or building frame, using the building structure as their support. The jib rotates through 180–200° in front of the mounting surface. This configuration is effective where floor space is limited, as the crane takes no floor footprint at all.

The wall or column must be capable of handling the imposed bending moment from the crane — this is a structural engineering requirement, not optional. A structural assessment before installation is necessary. Attempting to mount a jib crane to a standard masonry wall or non-structural partition will result in failure.

Typical capacity range: 125 kg to 2,000 kg. Common in automotive workshops, warehouses, and docking areas where the 180° arc is sufficient.

For automotive workshops requiring vehicle undercar access, a two-post or four-post vehicle hoist is the purpose-built solution — a jib crane is not designed for this application. See the AIMS Vehicle Hoist Guide for lift capacity, post configurations and AS/NZS compliance.

3. Articulating Jib Crane

An articulating jib crane has two boom sections joined at a pivot, allowing the outer boom to fold inward. This lets the operator work around obstacles — columns, machinery, racking — that a fixed-boom crane could not reach. The total rotation arc of the inner and outer boom sections can combine to cover complex shapes that a single-boom crane cannot.

Articulating cranes are more complex mechanically and carry a cost premium, but in tight industrial environments with structural obstructions they are frequently the only practical solution. They are also used in vehicle-mounted configuration for field service applications requiring access into confined spaces.

4. Ute / Vehicle-Mounted Crane

A ute crane (also called a vehicle loading crane or service body crane) mounts to the tray or service body of a utility vehicle. It provides a lifting capability that travels with the vehicle — essential for field service technicians, rural maintenance, equipment installers, and anyone who lifts heavy components on location without access to fixed infrastructure.

Most ute crane units use a 12V DC electric winch driven from the vehicle's battery, with a remote control switch. They typically fold down for travel and erect in seconds. Rated capacity is usually expressed as a dual rating — higher capacity in single-line configuration, lower in double-line (hook block) configuration — because using a single line without a hook block gives a shorter, more direct load path.

Under Australian WHS legislation and the relevant codes of practice, vehicle-mounted cranes used commercially may require state-based registration and periodic inspection. Check with your state's roads authority for registration requirements and with SafeWork for operational requirements.

The Garrick Swivel Ute Crane 12V 500/800kg available from AIMS Industrial is a purpose-built ute crane with 360° rotation, 3.6 m/min lifting speed, and a 4.2 m switch cable — suited to tradies, rural operations, and field service vehicles.

5. Portable Workshop Crane / Mini Crane

Portable workshop cranes have a wheeled base, requiring no installation whatsoever. They are freestanding, can be repositioned anywhere in a workshop or on a job site, and fold or disassemble for compact storage or transport.

This configuration is the most flexible option for small workshops, hire fleets, and businesses that need lifting capability at multiple locations. Because there is no anchor to a floor or wall, no structural assessment is needed — simply position the crane, apply the rated load, and lift. Most portable units include levelling legs or outriggers for stability under load.

The Austlift Mini Crane Aussie Fetch (400 kg / 2 m lift height) is a compact portable crane designed for workshop and job site use. It ships with a flat web sling and incorporates a slewing stop design to control the rotation arc — useful for positioning loads precisely without swing. At 400 kg capacity, it handles engine blocks, gearboxes, machinery components, and materials handling tasks in spaces where a fixed crane is impractical.

For ute-mounted lifting up to 800 kg without permanent installation, the Garrick Swivel Ute Crane (12V, 500/800 kg) extends capacity into the workshop-to-vehicle range with a 12V powered swivelling boom that mounts directly to a ute tray.

6. Workshop Floor / Engine Crane (Hydraulic)

The engine crane (also called a workshop floor crane or engine hoist) is a wheeled hydraulic unit with a folding boom and a hydraulic ram for lift. It is standard equipment in automotive workshops for engine removal and installation, and is widely used for machinery positioning and general workshop lifting.

Engine cranes are not technically jib cranes in the structural sense, but they serve the same purpose in many workshop applications — portable, no installation, single-operator use. They typically offer 500 kg to 2,000 kg capacity depending on boom extension position, with reduced capacity at longer boom extensions.

How to Choose the Right Jib Crane

Step 1: Define Your Rated Capacity

Start with the actual maximum load you need to lift — the weight of the heaviest single lift, including any slings, chains, or rigging hardware attached. Add a working margin of at least 10–25% above this figure to account for dynamic loading (acceleration and deceleration during the lift) and any load weight uncertainty. This is your minimum rated capacity requirement.

Never operate a crane at its rated capacity as a routine practice. Rated capacity is the maximum permissible load; it is not the target operating point.

Step 2: Determine Boom Length and Height

Map the horizontal distance from the crane mast position to the furthest point where you need to place a load — this sets your minimum boom length. Then identify the highest lift position required (the hook at maximum height) and the clearance needed under the hook — this sets your minimum lift height and determines the hoist travel required.

Note that for pillar and wall-mounted jib cranes, rated capacity decreases as the load is moved further from the mast along the boom. Always check the capacity chart (load chart) for the specific model you're evaluating at the boom extension you'll actually use.

Step 3: Fixed Installation vs Portable

The choice between fixed and portable comes down to three questions:

• Is the lifting need in one defined location? If yes, a fixed crane (pillar or wall) is more cost-effective long-term and typically higher capacity.
• Is permanent installation possible? If the building is leased, slab depth is unknown, or structural approval is uncertain, portable is the practical answer.
• Does lifting happen at multiple locations or off-site? Portable or vehicle-mounted is the only viable solution.

Step 4: Match the Hoist

A jib crane is only as useful as the hoist paired with it. The hoist must be rated to at least the crane's rated capacity. For repetitive production lifting, an electric chain hoist significantly reduces operator fatigue and cycle times versus a manual chain block. See our Electric Hoist Guide for full selection guidance.

Step 5: Power Source and Duty Cycle

Electric hoists and ute crane winches require either mains power (240V/415V) or 12V DC supply from a vehicle battery. Assess availability at the point of use. For remote or outdoor applications without mains power, 12V DC units and manual hoists are the practical options. Duty cycle matters for production environments — confirm the hoist duty rating (H1 through H5 under FEM/ISO standards) matches the frequency of your lifting operation.

Australian Compliance: What AS1418 Requires

Jib cranes used in Australian workplaces fall under the AS1418 series of standards. AS1418.3 specifically covers jib cranes (including freestanding, wall-mounted, and articulating types). Vehicle loading cranes are covered by AS1418.19. These standards set out design, manufacture, installation, and operational requirements.

Do You Need a Licence to Operate a Jib Crane?

In Australia, operating a jib crane with a rated capacity under 10 tonnes does not require a formal high-risk work licence under the Model WHS Regulations (adopted with minor variations in most states and territories). However, this does not mean operators can self-train. Under WHS legislation, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure that workers operating plant are competent to do so. For crane operation, this means documented training and demonstrated competency — even in the absence of a formal licence requirement. Keep training records.

Vehicle-mounted cranes (ute cranes) used commercially may be subject to separate state-based registration requirements through the relevant roads authority. Check with your state authority (e.g. Transport for NSW, VicRoads) for vehicle registration obligations.

Pre-Commissioning Load Testing

Before a jib crane is put into service for the first time, it must be load tested at 125% of its rated capacity. This proof load test confirms the structural integrity of the installation, anchor points, and all load-bearing components. The test must be conducted by or under the supervision of a competent person, and a test certificate must be issued and retained.

For portable cranes, proof testing is typically performed by the manufacturer or importer before sale — confirm this with your supplier and obtain the documentation.

Ongoing Inspection and Maintenance

AS2550 covers the safe use, inspection, maintenance, and alteration of cranes, hoists, and winches in service. It specifies inspection intervals based on duty class and usage frequency. At a minimum:

• Pre-use inspection: Before every lift — visual check of structural members, hook condition, hoist chain/rope, controls, and rigging hardware.
• Periodic inspection: At intervals defined by duty class — typically annually for light-duty applications, more frequently for production environments.
• Major inspection: After any incident, modification, or as directed by the inspection schedule.

Maintain a logbook for each crane recording all inspections, loads lifted, defects identified, and maintenance carried out. This is both a compliance requirement and an operational best practice.

Installation of Fixed Jib Cranes

Pillar jib crane installations into concrete slabs require a structural engineering assessment of the slab to confirm it can handle the imposed moment and anchor loads. Standard concrete must reach full cure before anchor drilling — minimum 28 days for Portland cement mixes at standard temperatures. Drilling into green concrete is a structural failure risk. Wall-mounted installations require the same structural confirmation for the mounting surface.

Safe Use: What Operators Must Know

Pre-Use Inspection Checklist

• Check the crane structure for cracks, deformation, corrosion, and loose fasteners
• Inspect the hook — look for cracks, throat opening (must not exceed 15% of original), and verify the safety latch is present and functional
• Check hoist chain or wire rope for wear, kinking, corrosion, and link damage
• Verify all electrical controls operate correctly and emergency stops function
• Confirm the rated capacity markings are clearly legible on the crane and hoist
• Check slings and rigging hardware before each use — look for cuts, abrasion, deformation, and corrosion

Sling Angle and Capacity Reduction

When using two-leg slings, the angle of the sling legs from vertical directly affects the load on each leg. At 60° from vertical, each leg carries 115% of the load it would carry hanging straight. At 45° from vertical, each leg carries 141%. At 30°, it reaches 200%. Always calculate sling leg loads when the included angle between sling legs exceeds 90°. The practical rule: keep sling angles below 60° from vertical wherever possible.

Operating Rules

• Never exceed the rated capacity of the crane or the hoist — check the load chart for the specific boom extension position you are using
• Never use a crane to move people
• Keep the load path clear — establish exclusion zones before lifting
• Lower loads under full control; never drop or shock-load
• For ute cranes: stow the crane in the down/travel position before moving the vehicle; never travel with a suspended load
• For portable cranes: confirm the unit is stable and all legs/outriggers are positioned correctly before lifting
• Outdoor use: cease operations in wind speeds above the crane's rated wind speed, and if lightning risk is present

Jib Crane vs Other Lifting Solutions

Jib Crane vs Overhead / EOT Crane

An overhead crane (bridge crane or electric overhead travelling crane, EOT) runs on runway rails mounted at roof level, giving it coverage across the full floor area of a bay. A jib crane, by contrast, covers a fixed arc from a single point. The overhead crane wins where you need to move loads anywhere across a large floor; the jib crane wins where loads are confined to a work cell and cost or ceiling height rules out a full runway system. A pillar jib crane is a fraction of the capital cost of an overhead crane for the same rated capacity.

Jib Crane vs Gantry Crane

A gantry crane (also called a portal crane) straddles the load on two legs and runs on floor-level rails or wheels, with the hoist running along a beam between the legs. Gantry cranes are excellent for outdoor use and for facilities where ceiling mounting is not possible. A jib crane requires a floor or wall anchor point but operates from a single pivot, making it faster for repetitive single-point lifting. Gantry cranes offer more flexibility in where they can be set up; jib cranes offer higher productivity in a defined work cell.

Jib Crane vs Workshop Floor / Engine Crane

For occasional, low-cycle workshop lifts, a hydraulic engine crane is simpler and cheaper than any jib crane. It requires no installation, stores in minimal space, and a single operator can position it anywhere in seconds. A jib crane makes more sense when: lifts are frequent, precision positioning matters, the load needs to be swung horizontally as well as raised vertically, or loads exceed what a floor crane can practically handle at the working radius.

Workshop & Portable Cranes at AIMS Industrial

AIMS Industrial stocks portable and vehicle-mounted cranes — the practical choices for workshops, service vehicles, and operations where permanent installation is either impractical or unnecessary. Our range covers three configurations:

Austlift Mini Crane Aussie Fetch — 400 kg / 2 m Lift

The Austlift Aussie Fetch is a compact portable mini crane for workshop and on-site use. It requires no installation — wheel it into position, lift, and relocate as needed. At 400 kg rated capacity with a 2 m lift height, it handles engine and gearbox changes, machinery positioning, and heavy materials handling in spaces where a floor crane or fixed jib is not viable. Includes a flat web sling and features a slewing stop for controlled arc positioning.

Garrick Swivel Ute Crane — 12V 500/800 kg

The Garrick Swivel Ute Crane mounts to the tray or service body of a ute or truck and gives you powered lifting capability wherever you drive. 12V DC electric operation driven from the vehicle battery, 360° rotation, 3.6 m/min lift speed, and a 4.2 m switch cable for operator positioning away from the load. Rated 500 kg single-line and 800 kg double-line. Weight 64 kg.

Ideal for trade and field service operators, rural maintenance, equipment installation, and anyone who regularly lifts heavy components on location without fixed infrastructure. Compatible with workshop hydraulic rams (3-tonne and 8-tonne) for additional pushing and pressing capability — see the AIMS hydraulic ram range for current options.

Garrick Swivel Ute Crane — 500/800 kg (12V)

The Garrick Swivel Ute Crane (12V, 500/800 kg) is a ute-mounted electric crane that bolts directly to a ute tray and delivers 500 kg capacity at full reach or 800 kg retracted, with a swivelling boom for horizontal arc positioning. 12V powered means single-operator operation on remote sites without external power. This is purpose-built for trade and field service work — loading machinery, lifting components, recovering parts — where the truck itself is the workstation. For floor-based workshop lifting at similar capacity, an engine crane or fixed jib crane is generally the better fit; see the relevant sections above.

View the full Workshop & Portable Cranes range at AIMS Industrial →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a jib crane?

A jib crane is a type of crane consisting of a vertical mast and a horizontal projecting arm (the jib or boom) from which a hoist or hook block is suspended. The jib rotates around the mast to cover a defined arc, allowing loads to be lifted and positioned within that working envelope. Jib cranes are used in workshops, factories, warehouses, and on vehicles for precise, repetitive, or heavy lifting tasks.

What is the difference between a jib crane and an overhead (EOT) crane?

An overhead crane (bridge or EOT crane) runs on roof-level rails and covers the full floor area of a bay. A jib crane lifts from a fixed pivot point and sweeps a defined arc — it cannot traverse the full floor area. Overhead cranes suit large-area coverage; jib cranes suit defined work cells at lower capital cost. Jib cranes are also available in portable and vehicle-mounted configurations, which overhead cranes are not.

Do I need a licence to operate a jib crane in Australia?

Jib cranes with a rated capacity under 10 tonnes do not require a formal high-risk work licence in Australia under the Model WHS Regulations. However, operators must be trained and deemed competent to use the equipment, and the PCBU is required to document this competency. Keep training records. Vehicle-mounted cranes (ute cranes) used commercially may have additional state-based vehicle registration requirements — check with your state roads authority.

What is the rated capacity of a jib crane, and how is it different from SWL?

Rated capacity is the maximum load a crane is designed and tested to lift, as defined in Australian Standard AS1418. It replaced the older term "Safe Working Load" (SWL) following the 2002 revision of AS1418.1. Both terms refer to the maximum permissible working load in standard duty applications. In practice, rated capacity and SWL mean the same thing for most applications, though SWL is technically obsolete in current Australian Standards.

How do you load test a jib crane before first use?

A new jib crane installation must be proof-load tested at 125% of its rated capacity before being put into service. The test is conducted by a competent person who applies the test load, holds it for the required duration, and certifies the crane passed. For portable cranes, this is typically done by the manufacturer — obtain the test certificate from your supplier. Retain all test certificates in your crane logbook.

What is the difference between a pillar jib crane and a wall-mounted jib crane?

A pillar (freestanding) jib crane stands on its own floor-mounted column and rotates up to 360° — it can be positioned anywhere on the workshop floor. A wall-mounted jib crane bolts to a structural wall or column and rotates 180–200° in front of the mounting surface; it takes no floor space. The wall-mounted option costs less and is space-efficient, but requires a structural wall capable of handling the imposed loads. The pillar option has no wall constraint but requires adequate concrete slab depth.

Can I use a portable crane instead of a fixed jib crane?

Yes — for many workshop applications a portable crane is the better practical choice. Portable cranes require no installation, no structural assessment, and no anchoring to the building. They can be repositioned anywhere and do not require landlord or engineer approval. The trade-off is typically a lower maximum capacity, smaller working arc, and less precision in load positioning compared to a fixed pillar crane. For most single-workshop or small-business applications, a quality portable crane is entirely sufficient.

What is a ute crane and how does it differ from a jib crane?

A ute crane (vehicle loading crane) is a jib crane that mounts to the tray or service body of a utility vehicle, allowing it to travel with the vehicle to the work site. Unlike a workshop jib crane fixed to a floor or wall, a ute crane is designed for field service and remote use, typically operating from the vehicle's 12V battery. Ute cranes sacrifice the precision and high capacity of a fixed workshop crane in exchange for complete portability and independence from fixed infrastructure.

What hoist do I need for a jib crane?

The hoist must be rated to at least the rated capacity of the jib crane. For infrequent lifting, a manual chain block is the low-cost option. For repetitive or production lifting, an electric chain hoist significantly reduces operator fatigue and cycle time. Ensure the hoist's beam clamp or trolley is compatible with the jib's lower flange profile. For full hoist selection guidance, see our Electric Hoist Guide.

Can a jib crane be used outdoors?

Yes, but with important caveats. Outdoor jib cranes must be rated for outdoor use (corrosion-resistant finishes, weatherproof electrics if electric-powered) and must not be operated in wind speeds that exceed their design rating. In practice, most portable workshop cranes and ute cranes are regularly used outdoors. Fixed jib cranes used outdoors require additional corrosion protection and must be secured against wind loading when not in use.

How do I choose the right jib crane capacity?

Weigh the actual maximum load you need to lift (including rigging hardware — slings, chains, hooks). Add at least 10–25% as a working margin to account for dynamic loading and weight uncertainty. This gives your minimum rated capacity requirement. Always confirm the capacity at the actual boom extension you will use — most fixed jib cranes are rated at a specific radius, and capacity reduces at longer extensions. For portable cranes, check the capacity rating at the lift height and radius combination you require.

What is the minimum concrete cure time before installing a jib crane anchor?

Standard Portland cement concrete must reach a minimum of 28 days full cure before anchor bolts can be drilled and installed for a jib crane base. Drilling into green or partially cured concrete risks fracturing the slab around the anchor, compromising the installation's structural integrity. Always obtain a structural engineer's specification for anchor bolt size, depth, and embedment requirements for the specific crane and slab combination.