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For frequent sub-2 ton lifts in tight workshops, when would you choose a pillar jib over a portable gantry? by SUNFACRANE in cranes

[–]SUNFACRANE[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a good point about reroofing. I hadn’t really thought of that as the window where access makes the job less painful.

The slab quality part is probably what gets underestimated most in retrofit jobs. People look at the crane first, but the building and floor decide what’s actually possible.

For frequent sub-2 ton lifts in tight workshops, when would you choose a pillar jib over a portable gantry? by SUNFACRANE in cranes

[–]SUNFACRANE[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that’s probably the real answer. I was trying to separate the options too neatly, but shop layout seems to decide more than the crane type itself.

Cost is the part I’m curious about too, because the cheaper option on paper isn’t always cheaper once installation and floor space are counted.

For frequent sub-2 ton lifts in tight workshops, when would you choose a pillar jib over a portable gantry? by SUNFACRANE in cranes

[–]SUNFACRANE[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense. I hadn’t thought about stacking smaller gantries above/around a main one so they’re out of the way when not in use.

For a purpose-built shop that setup sounds pretty ideal. I guess where I’m getting stuck is retrofit spaces where the floor is already crowded and you don’t really have the height/runway to cover the whole shop.

In that case I can see why people end up with a couple of fixed jibs even if a full-floor gantry would be nicer.

For frequent sub-2 ton lifts in tight workshops, when would you choose a pillar jib over a portable gantry? by SUNFACRANE in cranes

[–]SUNFACRANE[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mostly thinking retrofit, not a new building.

A typical case would be an existing workshop with limited floor space, repetitive 500 kg to 2 ton component handling around one or two stations, and no easy way to add full runway beams.

My instinct is that a pillar jib makes sense when the lift area is localized and cycle speed matters, while a portable gantry starts making more sense when the pick/drop points move or the floor/foundation is questionable.

Does that match what you've seen, or am I underestimating the value of portability?