Mobile Jib Crane (Morris)

Maker and role
Herbert Morris Limited, Manufacturer
Production date
1900-1920

Object detail

Accession number
2005.46
Production period
Description
Mobile Jib Crane,
The handle at the back, the steering arm, is used to move the crane. When it is up, the brake is on, and you pull it down to move the crane. The non-reversible ratchet handle (on the side) guarantees that the load cannot be dropped if someone lets go of the handle. You need to disengage the ratchet to lower the load. This is somewhat old-fashioned and dangerous as you could jam your finger. The ratchet handle operates a geared lifting mechanism which operates the chain. The gears make it possible for a person to lift very heavy loads - today cranes are operated by hydraulics. The arm is called a jib and at the end is the pulley.
A single pulley such as this changes the direction of the force required to lift the weight, i.e. instead of pulling the weight up from above, it is possible to lift the weight from below. The pulley, along with the gears, allows a heavy weight to be lifted manually by a person.

Steel construction, painted green. Two angled outrigger legs at base with wheels at end. Two smaller wheels at centre point with swivelling lever in order to move hoist. Vertical post with crane arm attached overhead. Winch handle on side operates chain and pulley system to raise/lower hook.
Brief History
It is believed this mobile crane was used on the Auckland Wharves to lift goods, such as fresh produce, from the storage warehouses and onto trams or rail cars.
Marks
MORRIS Embossed
MORRIS PORTABLE JOB CRANE / PATENT REGD. No. 66885 / HERBERT MORRIS LTD. / LOUGHBOROUGH, ENGLAND. / WORKING LOAD 20 CWTS. / TESTED TO 30 CWTS. / MANUFACTURING MARK 1[3]382 Maker's Plate
Credit Line
Herbert Morris Limited. 1900-1920. Mobile Jib Crane (Morris), 2005.46. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).

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