The installation quality of a jib crane directly determines its operational stability, service life, and safety; as this falls under the category of specialized construction for special equipment, it is imperative to strictly adhere to industry standards for hoisting equipment installation and follow standardized procedures. Comprehensive commissioning and acceptance testing must be conducted upon completion to eliminate any installation-related hazards. Drawing on industry regulations and practical experience, this article systematically outlines the complete technical process, ranging from foundation construction to the commissioning of the fully assembled unit.
Preliminary foundation construction is a critical prerequisite for installation, requiring a construction plan tailored to the specific equipment model and parameters. For pillar-mounted jib cranes, a dedicated concrete foundation must be cast; the foundation dimensions and concrete strength grade must match the equipment's rated load. For standard models ranging from 0.5t to 5t, the concrete strength should be no less than C30. Anchor bolts must be embedded within the foundation, with spacing and embedment depth strictly conforming to the equipment drawings. A curing period of at least seven days is required after pouring to ensure the foundation meets load-bearing standards and to prevent future issues such as settlement or tilting. For wall-mounted jib cranes, the load-bearing capacity of the mounting wall must be assessed beforehand; the wall must be a solid concrete load-bearing structure, and installation on lightweight partition walls or decorative walls is strictly prohibited. Precise positioning and drilling are required to set the anchor bolt locations, ensuring a flat and secure contact surface for installation. Mobile jib cranes do not require a civil engineering foundation; the operating surface simply needs to be leveled and hardened, ensuring it is free of protrusions or depressions and possesses uniform load-bearing capacity.
The main assembly phase must follow the principle of "fixing the support, assembling the components, and then connecting the parts." First, the main support structure is fixed in place; the pillar or wall bracket is positioned accurately, anchor bolts are tightened, and a level is used to calibrate verticality. The verticality deviation of the pillar must be controlled within 1/1000 to prevent uneven loading caused by tilting. Next, the main jib beam is assembled and connected to the slewing mechanism; connecting bolts are tightened, and the beam's horizontality is checked to ensure there is no vertical misalignment, thereby preventing the electric hoist from jamming or drifting during operation. Finally, the electric hoist, limit switches, and electrical control system are installed. Power and control cables are connected, and insulation testing is performed to eliminate risks of short circuits or electrical leakage. The commissioning of the complete unit comprises three stages: no-load testing, load testing, and safety function testing. During no-load testing, the equipment operates without a load to verify the smooth movement—free of stuttering or abnormal noise—of the cantilever rotation, hoist lifting/lowering, and horizontal travel mechanisms, as well as the responsiveness and reliability of the braking system. Load testing involves sequential test runs at 50%, 75%, and 100% of the rated load for a minimum duration of 30 minutes to assess load-bearing stability, structural deformation, and the operational status of drive components. Safety testing focuses on verifying the upper and lower travel limits, overload protection, and emergency stop functions, ensuring sensitive triggering and prompt power cutoff. Once all testing criteria are met and the installation and commissioning records are compiled, the equipment undergoes final acceptance before being put into formal operation.
