Building a Jib Crane

[Hickey]

When my new house is finished, I would like to build a jib crane for lifting heavy objects such as engines. I would like to build it using I-beam steel with a chain hoist on a trolley for the swinging arm. My ceiling height is about 12' and I would like the arm to have a reach of about 12' with the arm mounted 9-10' off the ground. What size I-beam should I use for the two main beams. I would like to have a safe working capacity of 3,000 LBS, but I can settle for less if need be. I plan on bolting the vertical beam to the concrete floor and the ceiling joists.

The pics below are two examples I have found on the web. I prefer the first design.

 

[Matt]

Hey Mr. I want a jib in my crib! Just buy a engine hoist, there cheaper!

 

[Shawn]

Just buy a engine hoist, there cheaper!

x2

 

[anvil]

Looks like a fun engineering project. What type of post and what type of beam do you want to use rectangular tube or I beam?

 

[Hickey]

Looks like a fun engineering project. What type of post and what type of beam do you want to use rectangular tube or I beam?

The beam would have to be I-beam to use the type of trolley I want. The post could be either.

 

[53 willys]

I built a crane like this for about 160 bucks It straddles my jeep trailer, fits in my garage, lifts engines, jeeps any thing you want and it's mobile! it's been one of my favorite tools.

this is the northern tool version mine is really close to this.

 

[RockMonkey]

Call me before you try to lift 3 tons with that thing. If you are going to pull your garage down on top of yourself, I want to be there to see it.

 

[drtsqrl]

I worked for a company for 17 years in Seattle that designed and built all kinds of light cranes. We sold a lot of jib kits. I'm not sure if there are any crane companies in the SLC area, but you might try and contact one. They can sell you the proper hinges, brackets, and accessories, as well as advise the proper jib and mast sizes for your application. Takes the guess work out of "seat of the pants" engineering.

 

[rjmax]

Here is an I-beam if it will help.:greg:

http://www.rockymountainextreme.com/showthread.php?t=35754&highlight=I-beam

 

[Hickey]

Thanks RJmax, but I think that one will be a little light for what I want.

 

[Hickey]

Call me before you try to lift 3 tons with that thing. If you are going to pull your garage down on top of yourself, I want to be there to see it.

Sorry, I meant to say 3K Lbs. So, 1.5 ton. My chain hoist is rated for 3 tons, though I will never lift that much.

 

[SCW]

*first post, hi everyone*

I have ordered large cranes from Craig Turner at American Equipment in SLC before. I simply told him the loads I wanted and general configuration and he got back with the entire design using his parts. You could easily call him and get the design, they have canned software that spits out an answer he doesn't even understand but I can help you with the details it you want. 1.5 ton is easy, those beams for sale up above are just about what you'd need I think (off the top of my head).

Make sure you have plenty of lateral support on the floor, I'm mostly a water engineer but all the guys I work with are structural guys and I could enlist their help for anchor config if you need. None of this is rocket science, it's just a matter of doing it cheap enough for home applications.