Telescopic cranes are built as slewing jibs or overhead systems. A telescoping jib can work past obstacles such as walls, racks, other machines, or traffic aisles. The arm has two parts. Retracted, the jib can pass obstacles and then extend again. Telescope length—on a jib or bridge—can be up to 3 m. The telescope mechanism extends only when the load leaves the fixed jib or bridge zone. When retracting, the telescope retracts first before the load moves back into the fixed crane zone—avoiding collisions with structures or vehicles. As a slewing jib, the crane can slew up to 270°. The image shows a telescopic slewing jib used in confined conditions to stage pallets for order picking.
In a narrow aisle, nested pallet stacks are placed. Individual pallets are picked up, turned if needed, and set at the point of use. Only 2 m reach is available at the pick zone, but 3 m is needed at the use zone—a telescopic slewing jib is ideal. Telescope motion is controlled so picking cannot hit the wall. Moving to the use zone, the trolley reaches the jib end, releases the telescope, and reaches the target without effort. Returning to the stack, the telescope retracts and locks before the trolley moves again.
Alternatively an articulated jib could be used, but the operator must always orient the elbow joint correctly. With the telescopic jib, the crane follows intuitive operator motion without collision risk.
The ezzLINKrack is a telescopic crane with two telescopic bridges.
In front of the rack, containers of various materials are retrieved with forklifts and staged. Rack and forklift height would cause collisions with a fixed crane. Both bridges were therefore equipped with telescopes to reach staging, pick material, and clear the travel path again.
Telescopic cranes tailored to every industrial environment
Telescopic overhead and slewing systems reach work areas inaccessible to conventional cranes. They are always custom-built for use and environment. The effort pays off: workflow and productivity improve compared with standard cranes.
Technical data:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Telescope length | 3 m at 6 m reach |
| Payload | max. 500 kg |