A pneumatic jib crane (or air-powered jib) is the “workhorse” of high-frequency or hazardous workshops. Unlike electric cranes that rely on motors, these use compressed air to power the hoist and sometimes the rotation.
If your workshop already has a robust air compressor system, a pneumatic setup is often the more durable, faster, and safer choice.
Pneumatic cranes are specifically designed for environments where an electric motor would struggle or be dangerous.
100% Duty Cycle: Electric motors heat up and need “rest” periods (duty cycles). Pneumatic hoists are self-cooling; the expanding air actually cools the internal parts, allowing them to run 24/7 without overheating.
Variable Speed Control: They offer incredibly smooth, “infinitely variable” speed. You can “inch” a load into place with millimeter precision, which is much harder with standard on/off electric buttons.
Safety (Explosion Proof): Because there are no electrical components, there are no sparks. This makes them the standard for paint booths, chemical storage, or woodworking shops with high dust levels (ATEX zones).
Harsh Environments: They are impervious to high humidity, steam, and heavy dust—factors that typically “fry” the circuit boards of modern electric hoists.
You can choose how much of the crane is powered by air:
Pneumatic Hoist only: The most common setup. You push the boom manually, but the lifting is air-powered.
Full Pneumatic: The lift, the trolley travel, and the boom rotation are all air-driven. This is common for very heavy loads where manual “pushing” is too fatiguing.
Air Balancers: A specialized type of pneumatic hoist that makes the load feel weightless. Once the load is lifted, the operator can simply grab the part with their hands and move it up or down manually without touching the controls.
You can’t just “plug in” a pneumatic crane. You need to ensure your shop can feed it:
CFM & PSI Requirements: Most air hoists require 90 PSI (6.2 bar) and a significant volume of air (CFM). If your compressor is small, the crane will “stutter” or lose lifting power during use.
FRL Unit (Filter, Regulator, Lubricator): This is non-negotiable. Pneumatic motors need “oiled air” to stay lubricated and “dry air” to prevent rust. You must install an FRL at the base of the crane.
Festooning: Instead of electrical wires, you’ll have air hoses looping along the top of the boom. Ensure these are high-quality reinforced hoses to prevent kinking or leaks.
Based on the product information, usage conditions, installation site environment, and layout provided by the customer, we provide customized solutions for free.
All accessories have passed factory testing and meet specifications, enabling continuous and unobstructed operation.
For complex on-site conditions or special workpieces, Tongli can provide on-site investigation and measurement services to make appropriate solutions.
Having a professional equipment installation team, with excellent skills and tools, we provide fast and reliable robotic arm installation services.
