Pillar jib crane – Do you already know the alternative with a mobile foundation?

Away from rigid production layouts – the mobile alternative to the classic fixed column-mounted slewing jib crane

Planning a pillar-mounted slewing jib crane poses many challenges: regardless of whether it is a wall-mounted slewing jib crane or a permanently anchored pillar-mounted slewing jib crane – the hall statics must be checked / foundation work must be coordinated and fixed assembly points must be defined during the planning phase. But what if there was another way?

Pillar jib crane

The problem

Limited flexibility and high costs

Planning a permanently anchored pillar jib crane is complicated and expensive:

  • Foundation work is necessary, which causes time and costs.
  • Fixed locations limit the flexibility of your production.
  • Subsequent changes are costly and require new construction work.

What does that mean for you?
➡ Long planning times.
➡ High investment costs.
➡ Hardly any adjustment options if your production changes.

The solution

Manually Moved Mobile Cranes by KA-Cranes

Forget complex installations and inflexible production layouts!

  • NO foundation required ➡ Simply set up, put into operation and start.
  • Ready for immediate use ➡ No long construction or waiting time.
  • Can be used anywhere ➡ Position the crane where you really need it.
  • Future-proof ➡ Is your layout changing? The crane simply moves with you!

The mobile alternative to a permanently installed system

With the mobile cranes from KA-Cranes, we offer you an innovative alternative to permanently anchored pillar jib cranes – without any time-consuming foundation work or structural analysis. Our mobile crane systems are ready for use immediately after installation and can be used flexibly wherever they are needed.

Your advantages over permanently anchored pillar jib cranes

No foundation work necessary

  • Set up, align and put into operation
  • No floor anchoring required
  • Flexible positioning in the entire hall area

Future-proof planning

  • Adaptable to changing layout requirements
  • No firmly defined mounting points
  • Multiple use possible at different locations

Innovative technology

  • Internal carriage guide for optimum dirt protection
  • Extremely smooth-running in daily operation
  • Low maintenance thanks to sophisticated design

Immediate operational readiness

  • No lengthy installation work
  • Fast commissioning
  • Flexible relocation if required

Optimized for modern production requirements

While permanently anchored pillar jib cranes require a rigid infrastructure, our mobile pillar jib cranes adapt flexibly to your production requirements. This flexibility offers you decisive advantages, especially when quantities vary or layout requirements change.

wk 1

Mobile crane WK I

The auxiliary crane for production, assembly and tool changes.

freisteller wk1 k

mobilecrane WK I-K

Can be combined with a swivel articulated boom to reach every corner.

wanderkran wk III

Mobile crane WK III

Faster, more flexible, more mobile, more efficient and more secure – the solution that adapts to your requirements.

wanderkran 04

Mobile crane WK-SL

The WK-SL still impresses with large payloads despite its wide throat depth.

Discover the advantages of the mobile alternative

All assembly points must be precisely defined as early as the planning phase for a permanently anchored pillar jib crane. With our mobile traveling cranes, you retain maximum flexibility even after the investment – without compromising on technical performance.

Planning comparison: Permanently anchored vs. mobile

Direct comparison of planning processes
Time is a decisive factor in modern production. The path to a ready-to-use crane system differs fundamentally between permanently anchored pillar jib cranes and mobile traveling cranes – both in the planning phase and during installation.

Fixed column-mounted slewing jib crane: planning steps

1. layout planning

The locations must be precisely defined in the planning phase.

Subsequent modification involves considerable effort.

2. static calculation

Testing the soil quality

Calculation of foundation loads

Coordination with construction experts

3. foundation work
Preparation of foundation plans Coordination of construction work Observe curing times
4. installation
Permanently installed power supply Assembly of the crane system Setup and adjustment
5. acceptance & commissioning

Technical acceptance

Checking the installation

Time and cost comparison

Firmly anchored column-mounted slewing jib crane

Planning phase: several weeks
Foundation work: depending on scope
Subsequent changes: time-consuming

Mobile alternative: The easy way to a crane system

1. needs analysis

Flexible choice of location possible

No structural interventions necessary

Future-proof planning

2. soil testing

Simple testing of the floor load-bearing capacity

Observe maximum inclination of 0.5%

No static calculations required

3. installation

Unpacking and positioning

Set up with a forklift or crane

Optionally equipped with running gear

4. immediate use

Ready for use immediately after commissioning

Standard power supply 400V/50Hz

Optionally also 230V for smaller models

Time and cost comparison
Mobile mobilecranePlanning: a few daysNo foundation workInstallation: a few hoursChanges: possible at any time

Flexibility in practice

Simplified planning and installation means for you:

  • Faster project realization
  • Lower planning costs
  • Maximum flexibility for future changes
  • No hidden follow-up costs
Criterion Fixed column-mounted slewing jib crane Mobile mobilecrane
No foundation required? ❌ Ground foundation required ✅ Yes
Flexible choice of location? ❌ No ✅ Yes
Time of flexible project realization up to weeks in a few hours
Subsequent adjustment possible? ✅ Yes ✅ Yes

Planning for the future

Modern production processes require increasingly flexible solutions. While the classic pillar-mounted slewing jib crane ties you down to a fixed infrastructure, our mobile crane system grows with your requirements. From just one area of application, the mobile mobilecrane offers a lower investment compared to permanently anchored models.

“Choosing a mobile crane system is an investment in the future viability of your production. You retain full flexibility with maximum technical performance.”

Our traveling cranes – innovative technology for modern requirements

WK I – The all-rounder

mobilecrane WK1
  • Load capacity: 100-500 kg
  • Projection: 1750-4715 mm
  • Swivel range: 270°
  • Total height: flexible 2250-4500 mm
  • Application: Ideal for production, assembly and tool changes

WK I-K – With articulated boom

mobilecrane WK1 K
  • Load capacity: 125-500 kg
  • Projection: 1750-4400 mm
  • Swivel range: 310°
  • Special feature: Avoids interfering contours in the swivel range
  • Application: Perfect for confined spaces and corner handling

WK III – The powerful one

mobilecrane WK3 with counterweight
  • Load capacity: up to 1000 kg
  • Projection: 1750-4500 mm
  • Swivel range: 360
  • Special feature: Internal swivel support
  • Application: Heavy load handling in production

WK-SL – Long range

mobilecrane WK SL
  • Load capacity: 400-600 kg
  • Projection: up to 4500 mm with high load
  • Swivel range: 360
  • Special feature: Optimized for long projections
  • Application: Large-scale workplace operation

Technical integration

Flexible power supply

  • Standard: 400V/3/50Hz/N/PE
  • Optional: 230V/50Hz (for models up to 250 kg)
  • Back-up fuse: max. 16A
  • Supplied completely pre-wired

Security technology

  • Adjustable belt brake/block brake
  • Optional swivel range limiter
  • Swivel lock available
  • Complies with all relevant safety standards

Optional equipment

  • ABUS electric chain hoist
  • Different chassis variants
  • Swivel range limits
  • Additional security features

Ambient conditions

  • Temperature range: -10°C to +40°C
  • Maximum inclination: 0.5%
  • Location: Hall operation
  • No special strength classes of the floor required

The technical design of our mobile traveling cranes is based on practical experience: we developed this innovative solution back in the 1980s based on our own requirements. Since then, we have continuously perfected the system. The result of decades of further development is a low-maintenance, smooth-running system that adapts flexibly to your requirements.

Frequently asked questions about the mobile column-mounted slewing jib crane alternative

Basic questions about the changeover

How stable is a mobile mobilecrane compared to a column-mounted slewing jib crane?

Our mobile traveling cranes are designed for professional industrial use. The sophisticated design ensures maximum stability even without a foundation. The only decisive factor is that the ground load-bearing capacity is sufficient and the maximum inclination of 0.5% is not exceeded.

What structural requirements do I need to fulfill?

Unlike the fixed column-mounted slewing jib crane, you do not need any special structural requirements. Neither foundation work nor a structural analysis of the hall is required. The crane is simply set up and is ready for use immediately after commissioning.

How is the power supplied?

The cranes are designed for 400V/3/50Hz/N/PE as standard. For smaller models up to 250 kg, a 230V/50Hz connection is also possible as an option. All systems are supplied pre-wired ready for connection and only require a back-up fuse of max. 16A.

Technical questions

What load capacities are possible?

Depending on the model, we cover loads from 100 kg to 1000 kg:

  • WK I and WK I-K: 100-500 kg
  • WK III: up to 1000 kg
  • WK-SL: 400-600 kg with large overhang
How large is the swivel range?

The swivel range varies depending on the model:

  • WK I 270°
  • WK I-K 310°
  • WK III and WK-SL full 360°
How maintenance-intensive is the system?

Thanks to the internal carriage guide, our systems are particularly low-maintenance. The protected design prevents the ingress of dirt and ensures a long service life for all moving parts.

Practical use

How flexible is the relocation?

The crane can be moved in three ways:

  • With optional hydraulic chassis
  • With mechanical chassis
  • By forklift truck or overhead crane

The choice of transportation system depends on the frequency of the planned relocation.

What temperature conditions do I need to observe?

The cranes are designed for indoor operation at temperatures from -10°C to +40°C. This covers the typical conditions in production halls and workshops.

How long does the installation take?

After delivery, the crane is ready for use within a few hours of commissioning. The usual waiting times for foundation work and curing, which can take several weeks for permanently anchored pillar jib cranes, are eliminated.

Profitability & investment

When is the investment worthwhile?

The mobile mobilecrane offers a lower investment compared to permanently anchored systems from just one area of application. The possibility of multiple use further increases cost-effectiveness.

How long are spare parts available?

We guarantee the availability of spare parts for 10-15 years after delivery. This ensures a secure long-term investment.

What delivery times should I allow for?

Delivery times vary depending on the model and equipment, but start from just one week for standard versions.

The next step towards your mobile crane solution

Individual advice for your requirements

Are you planning to purchase a pillar jib crane and would like to find out more about the mobile alternative? Our experts will help you with the planning and show you the options for your specific situation.

Three ways to your optimal solution

Direct route to the right crane

Use our online configurator and put together your individual mobilecrane. You will receive a non-binding cost overview straight away.

Personal advice

Let our experts advise you. We will analyze your requirements and recommend the optimum solution for you.

Technical details

Would you like to study all the technical details first? You can find detailed product information on the crane pages.