Pillar Jib Crane – Are you familiar with the alternative with mobile foundation?

Moving away from rigid production layouts – The mobile alternative to the classic fixed-anchor pillar jib crane

Planning a pillar jib crane brings many challenges: Whether wall-mounted jib crane or fixed-anchor pillar jib crane – the hall statics must be checked / foundation work coordinated and fixed installation points must be defined during the planning phase. But what if there were another way?

Mobile Crane WK-1

The Problem

Limited flexibility and high costs

Planning a fixed column slewing crane is complicated and expensive:

  • Foundation work is necessary, causing time and costs.
  • Fixed locations limit the flexibility of your production.
  • Subsequent changes are complex and require renewed construction work.

What does this mean for you?
➡ Long planning times.
➡ High investment costs.
➡ Few adaptation options if your production changes.

The Solution

Mobile Cranes from KA-Cranes

Forget complex installations and inflexible production layouts!

  • NO foundation needed ➡ Simply set up, commission, and start.
  • Immediately ready for use ➡ No long construction or waiting time.
  • Usable anywhere ➡ Position the crane where you really need it.
  • Future-proof ➡ Does your layout change? The crane simply moves with it!

The mobile alternative to the permanently installed system

With the Mobile Cranes from KA-Cranes, we offer you an innovative alternative to the fixed-anchor pillar jib crane – and all without extensive foundation work or statics verification. Our mobile crane systems are ready for immediate use after installation and can be flexibly deployed wherever they are currently needed.

Your advantages over fixed column slewing cranes

No foundation work necessary

  • Set up, align, and commission
  • No floor anchoring required
  • Flexible positioning throughout the hall area

Future-proof planning

  • Adaptable to changing layout requirements
  • No fixed installation points
  • Multiple use possible at different locations

Innovative Technology

  • Internal trolley guide for optimal dirt protection
  • Extremely smooth-running in daily operation
  • Low maintenance due to sophisticated design

Immediate readiness for use

  • No lengthy installation work
  • Quick commissioning
  • Flexibly relocatable as needed

Optimized for modern production requirements

While fixed-anchor pillar jib cranes require a rigid infrastructure, our mobile pillar jib cranes adapt flexibly to your production requirements. Particularly with varying production volumes or changing layout requirements, this flexibility offers you decisive advantages.

WK 1 1

Mobile Crane WK I

The auxiliary crane for production, assembly and tool changes.

WK 1 K

Mobile Crane WK I-K

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

WK 3

Mobile Crane WK III

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

WK SL

Mobile Crane WK-SL

The WK-SL still impresses with its high load capacities despite its long reach.

WK S 1

Mobile Crane WK-S

The compact entry-level crane – mobile and without foundations.

SSK 1 Full

Pillar Jib Crane SSK I

The firmly anchored all-rounder for production, assembly and the workshop.

SSK 1 K

Pillar Jib Crane SSK I-K

Can be combined with an articulated boom, which can also be used to avoid obstacles.

SSK 3 full

Pillar Jib Crane SSK III

For heavy loads up to 1000 kg – with full 360° swivel range.

Discover the advantages of the mobile alternative

Even in the planning phase of a fixed column slewing crane, all installation points must be precisely defined. With our mobilecranes, you remain maximally flexible even after the investment – without compromising technical performance.

Planning Comparison: Fixed vs. Mobile

Planning processes in direct comparison
In modern production, time is a decisive factor. The path to a ready-to-use crane system differs fundamentally between fixed column slewing cranes and mobilecranes – both in the planning phase and during installation.

Fixed-anchor pillar jib crane: Planning steps

1. Layout Planning

Locations must be precisely determined during the planning phase.

A subsequent change involves considerable effort.

2. Static Calculation

Inspection of soil conditions

Calculation of foundation loads

Coordination with construction experts

3. Foundation Work
Creation 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

Inspection of the installation

Time and Cost Comparison

Fixed-anchor pillar jib crane

Planning phase: several weeks
Foundation work: depending on scope
Subsequent changes: complex

Mobile Alternative: The Easy Path to a Crane System

1. Needs Analysis

Flexible choice of location possible

No structural interventions necessary

Future-proof planning

2. Floor Inspection

Simple check of floor load-bearing capacity

Observe maximum inclination of 0.5%

No static calculations required

3. Setup

Unpack and position

Set up with forklift or overhead crane

Optionally equipped with a chassis

4. Immediate Use

Immediately ready for use after commissioning

Standard power supply 400V/50Hz

Optionally 230V for smaller models

Time and Cost Comparison
Mobile crane

Planning: a few days
No foundation work
Setup: a few hours
Changes: possible at any time

Flexibility in practice

The 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-anchor pillar jib crane Mobile Crane
No foundation required? ❌ Floor foundation required ✅ Yes
Flexible choice of location? ❌ No ✅ Yes
Time for flexible project realization up to weeks in a few hours
Subsequent adjustment possible? ✅ Yes ✅ Yes

Planning for the Future

Modern production processes increasingly require flexible solutions. While the classic pillar jib crane commits you to a fixed infrastructure, our mobile crane system grows with your requirements. Starting from just one application area, the mobile crane offers a lower investment compared to fixed-anchor models.

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

Our Mobile Cranes – Innovative technology for modern requirements

WK I – The All-rounder

Mobile Crane WK-1
  • Load capacity: 100-500 kg
  • Projection: 1750-4715 mm
  • Swivel range: 270°
  • Overall height: flexible 2250-4500 mm
  • Application: Ideal for manufacturing, assembly, and tool changes

WK I-K – With Articulated Jib

Mobile Crane WK-1-K
  • Load capacity: 125-500 kg
  • Projection: 1750-4400 mm
  • Swivel range: 310°
  • Special feature: Bypasses interfering contours in the slewing range
  • Application: Perfect for confined spaces and corner handling

WK III – The Powerful

Mobile Crane WK-3
  • Load capacity: up to 1000 kg
  • Projection: 1750-4500 mm
  • Swivel range: 360
  • Special feature: Internal rotating support
  • Application: Heavy load handling in production

WK-SL – Long Reach

Mobile Crane WK-SL
  • Load capacity: 400-600 kg
  • Projection: up to 4500 mm with high load
  • Swivel range: 360
  • Special feature: Optimized for long outreaches
  • Application: Large-area workstation operation

Technical Integration

Flexible power supply

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

Safety Technology

  • Adjustable band brake/shoe brake
  • Optional slewing range limitation
  • Slewing lock available
  • Complies with all relevant safety standards

Optional Equipment

  • ABUS electric chain hoist
  • Various chassis variants
  • Slewing range limitations
  • Additional safety features

Environmental Conditions

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

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

Frequently asked questions about the mobile alternative to pillar jib cranes

Basic Questions about the Transition

How stable is a mobile crane compared to a pillar jib crane?

Our mobile cranes are designed for professional industrial use. The well-engineered construction ensures maximum stability even without a foundation. The only requirement 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 meet?

Unlike the fixed-anchor pillar jib crane, you do not need any special structural requirements. Neither foundation work nor a statics verification of the hall is required. The crane is simply installed and is ready for immediate use after commissioning.

How is the power supplied?

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

Technical Questions

What load capacities are possible?

Depending on the model, we cover load capacities 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 outreach
What is the slewing range?

The slewing 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 trolley 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 location change?

The crane can be moved in three ways:

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

The choice of transport system depends on the frequency of planned location changes.

What temperature conditions do I need to consider?

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

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 fixed column slewing cranes, are eliminated.

Economic Efficiency & Investment

When does the investment pay off?

Starting from just one application area, the mobile crane offers a lower investment compared to fixed-anchor systems. The possibility of multiple use further increases cost-effectiveness.

How long are spare parts available?

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

What delivery times should I expect?

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

The Next Step to Your Mobile Crane Solution

Individual Consultation for Your Requirements

Are you planning to purchase a column slewing crane and would like to learn more about the mobile alternative? Our experts will support you in planning and show you the possibilities for your specific situation.

Three Ways to Your Optimal Solution

Direct path to the right crane

Use our online configurator to assemble your individual Mobile Crane. You will immediately receive a non-binding cost overview.

Personal consultation

Let our experts advise you. We analyze your requirements and recommend the optimal solution.

Technical Details

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