The jib cranes, with manual or electric rotation, in both column or wall-mounted models, are designed to handle the goods inside a plant, in a yard or next to a processing machinery. The jib cranes have three functions:
- Lifting a load vertically using the hook of the lifting unit, generally consisting of a chain hoist;
- Traveling of the load with the help of a hoist-carrying trolley, electric or manual, which runs along the jib of the crane (except for the crane with an articulated jib where the hoist is fixed at the jib end);

Slewing the load, around the constraint axis, pushed by hand or electrically by means of a motor reducer, covering the circular area underneath it, bound by the slewing range of the jib.

Key parameters to be observed when choosing a jib crane are:

Functional dimensions: height of the jib, which determines the hook path of the hoist, and its length must be selected so as to guarantee the functional covering of the area to be served in consideration of the surrounding obstacles.

Capacity: It is determined by the heaviest load to be lifted.

Type of movement: manual or electric, in relation to the features of the load to be handled and the type of jib chosen (channel profile – cantilever – overbraced – articulated jib).

Nature of the load: delicate or not, determines for its positioning the choice of the most suitable speeds of lifting and traveling. Two speeds hoists can be used, with slow positioning speed.

Area of use: the jib crane can be used inside and/or in a covered area, sheltered from bad weather and wind. In case of use outside, measures must be taken in relation to the surface treatment (sandblasting – painting) as well as a system of stopping brake and an adequate protection covers.