Manipulator Features: - Most operator-friendly - High-performance material-handling - No up/down pushbuttons to press; arm 'floats' at all times - Operator can feel the load as it settles into a fixture - Arm can reach under obstructions, into cars, into presses - It is not necessary to grip the load at the center of gravity; loads can be gripped at the end , for example - Load does not wobble about; it can be fixed at the same attitude - "pendulum effect" that a crane has because of the hoist cable is non-existant, enables fastest material handling
Cost: Somewhat higher cost than cranes
Bridge Crane Features: - Operator-friendly - Medium-performance material-handling - Up/down pushbuttons are always necessary - Long travel distances are possible - Typically hoist must be centered above load's center of gravity - Load can be wobbled about at the bottom of the cable
Cost: Medium-priced
Jib Crane Features: - Low-cost material-handling best for slow operations or infrequent lifts - Hard to maneuver quickly, especially when the load is in the half of the range closest to the post - For light loads, installation is very easy, consisting of lagging to the floor, heavy loads require a foundation
Cost: Lowest price for light loads not requiring a foundation
