Buying a Crane: Your Complete Guide to Jib Cranes and Overhead Cranes
Investing in the right lifting equipment is a critical decision that impacts productivity, safety, and your bottom line for years to come. Whether you're considering a jib crane, overhead crane, or portable lifting solution, understanding your options and choosing the right supplier is essential for success.
Understanding Your Crane Options
When buying a crane for your facility, you'll encounter several types of lifting equipment, each designed for specific applications and work environments.
Jib Cranes: Versatile and Efficient
Jib cranes are among the most versatile lifting solutions available. These cranes feature a horizontal jib or boom that supports a moveable hoist, offering excellent manoeuvrability in localised work areas. Jib cranes are ideal for:
- Repetitive lifting tasks in defined work zones
- Machine tool loading and unloading
- Assembly line operations
- Warehouse material handling
- Workstation lifting applications
Available in wall-mounted, floor-mounted, and articulating configurations, jib cranes maximise workspace efficiency whilst minimising floor space requirements. When buying a jib crane, consider your lifting capacity needs, rotation requirements, and mounting options to ensure optimal performance.
Overhead Cranes: Maximum Coverage and Capacity
Overhead cranes, also known as bridge cranes, provide comprehensive lifting coverage across your entire facility. These robust systems travel along elevated runways, offering:
- Heavy-duty lifting capabilities from 1 tonne to hundreds of tonnes
- Complete floor space utilisation without obstructions
- Efficient material movement across large areas
- Precision positioning for demanding applications
- Improved safety compared to mobile equipment
Whether you need a single girder or double girder design, buying an overhead crane represents a significant investment in operational efficiency and workplace safety.
Key Considerations When Buying a Crane
Capacity Requirements: Accurately assess your maximum lifting needs, including future growth. Underspecifying capacity leads to operational limitations; overspecifying increases unnecessary costs.
Span and Coverage: Determine the area your crane must cover and any obstructions that might affect installation.
Lift Height: Consider your required hook height under load, accounting for headroom limitations in your facility.
Duty Cycle: How frequently will the crane operate? Light, moderate, or heavy-duty classifications impact design and pricing.
Environmental Factors: Temperature extremes, corrosive atmospheres, or hazardous locations require specialised crane specifications.
Compliance and Safety: All crane installations must comply with LOLER regulations, thorough examination requirements, and HSE guidelines.
Why Choose CraneCert for Your Crane Purchase
When buying a crane, your supplier's expertise, service quality, and ongoing support matter just as much as the equipment itself. CraneCert stands out as the UK's trusted crane specialist, offering unmatched value and comprehensive service.
Expert Guidance From Specification to Installation
The CraneCert team brings decades of collective experience in crane systems. We don't just sell equipment—we partner with you to identify the optimal lifting solution for your specific requirements. Our consultative approach ensures you invest in the right crane the first time, avoiding costly mistakes and operational compromises.
Quality Equipment at Competitive Prices
CraneCert sources high-quality jib cranes and overhead cranes from leading manufacturers, negotiating competitive pricing that we pass directly to you. Whether you need a compact 250kg jib crane or a heavy-duty 50-tonne overhead system, we deliver exceptional value without compromising on quality or safety.
Complete Turnkey Solutions
From initial site survey through to installation, commissioning, and certification, CraneCert manages every aspect of your crane project. Our comprehensive service includes:
- Free site surveys and feasibility assessments
- Detailed engineering and design services
- Professional installation by certified engineers
- Full LOLER compliance and thorough examination
- Operator training and safety documentation
- Ongoing maintenance and statutory inspection services
Compliance You Can Trust
Every crane supplied and installed by CraneCert meets all UK regulatory requirements. We ensure complete LOLER compliance, provide all necessary certification, and arrange statutory examinations—giving you complete peace of mind and audit-ready documentation.
Aftercare and Support
Your relationship with CraneCert doesn't end at installation. We provide comprehensive aftercare including:
- Planned preventative maintenance programmes
- Emergency breakdown support
- Statutory LOLER examinations
- Spare parts supply
- Modernisation and upgrade services
- Load testing and certification
The CraneCert Difference
Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs or unexpected charges. Our quotations are detailed, comprehensive, and competitive.
Fast Turnaround: We understand downtime costs money. Our efficient project management ensures timely delivery and installation.
Safety First: Every installation prioritises operator safety and regulatory compliance.
Technical Excellence: Our engineers hold relevant qualifications and undergo continuous professional development.
Customer Service: Responsive, knowledgeable support when you need it most.
Sectors We Serve
CraneCert supplies and installs cranes across diverse industries including:
- Manufacturing and engineering
- Warehousing and logistics
- Construction and fabrication
- Automotive and aerospace
- Food processing and pharmaceuticals
- Waste management and recycling
- Maintenance and repair facilities
Making the Right Investment
Buying an overhead crane or jib crane represents a significant capital investment. The quality of your equipment, installation, and ongoing support directly impacts productivity, safety, and total cost of ownership. Choosing an experienced, reputable supplier like CraneCert ensures your investment delivers maximum returns for years to come.
Don't compromise on quality, safety, or service. Whether you're replacing aging equipment, expanding operations, or installing your first crane system, CraneCert provides the expertise and support you need.
Ready to Discuss Your Crane Requirements?
Our specialist team is ready to help you select, specify, and install the perfect crane solution for your business. With competitive pricing, expert guidance, and comprehensive aftercare, CraneCert makes buying a crane straightforward and stress-free.
Call us today on the number at www.CraneCert.co.uk to discuss your requirements with our experienced team. We'll arrange a free site survey, provide expert recommendations, and deliver a detailed quotation tailored to your needs.
Don't delay—contact CraneCert now and discover why businesses across the UK trust us for all their crane supply, installation, and maintenance needs. Your perfect lifting solution is just a phone call away.