Steel wire ropes in jib cranes
Jib cranes—workshop, pillar, or column cranes—are compact lifting devices used in workshops, warehouses, assembly lines, and manufacturing plants. Despite their small size, they play a key role in everyday load handling, and the steel wire rope is their primary working component.
What is the rope used for in a workshop jib crane?
- Lifting and lowering loads – the rope runs from the hoist (manual or electric) to the hook and transfers force to the lifting system.
- Working with the slewing jib – in pillar-mounted cranes, the rope must run smoothly without jerking, often at varying angles.
- Operator safety and precise handling – the right rope construction ensures controlled movement without the risk of jamming or failure.
How to choose a rope for jib cranes?
✔ Compliance with the diameter and length specified in the crane’s DTR,
✔ Resistance to bending—especially important with frequent use,
✔ A construction that helps prevent twisting—important for light loads and short duty cycles,
✔ Flexibility—for easy, even spooling on the hoist drum,
✔ Optional: a galvanized finish or factory lubrication—for protection in industrial environments.
Most commonly selected ropes for jib cranes
- 6x19 or 6x36 ropes with a steel core (IWRC) – combine strength with flexibility,
- Galvanized ropes – resistant to moisture and corrosion in unheated halls,
- Plastic-coated ropes – for more delicate working environments (optional).
