Jib cranes are OK but require a lot of structure to support the load that is swinging on the boom.

I built a barn four years ago and placed an I-beam a few inches below the roof. It is supported on both ends by built-up wooden columns integrated into the barn walls. (five 2X6 bolted together) This I-beam can carry one ton loads in the center. I bought a trolley that runs along the 25 ft span of the beam. I can pick up a one ton load and transport it by hand by rolling the load on the trolley. I have used this to lift milling machines and other heavy equipment into and out of my truck.

In terms of cost, the I-beam method is much cheaper than the jib crane. Since the load is "balanced" there is not a lot of stress placed on the building structure, and you do not need a large concrete base to support the load. (one sq ft of concrete below each column is ample in most cases.) The one ton trolley costs about a hundred dollars.

You can build this sort of crane into an existing building by placing the structure inside the existing walls. If you connect a jib crane to an existing column that was designed only to carry a roof and wall, you will likely be overloading it and it could be very dangerous.

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