What Are the Benefits of Outrigger Pads

Nov. 09, 2021

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When using lifting equipment, safety is always the first priority. Although OSHA regulations do not require outrigger pads in all cases, it is always a good idea to use them when carrying out lifting operations. In this article, we will discuss the main benefits of using outrigger pads and explain why polymer pads are preferable to timber alternatives.

Stable weight distribution

Does it feel safer to stand on a ladder or a scaffold? If you ask us, we'll put down the scaffold. This is because scaffolding spreads the weight it carries over a larger surface area - keeping it more balanced and less likely to topple over.

The outrigger system increases the footprint of the equipment and provides a more stable base for your load. But it's important to remember that because the outreach bracket carries the full load, forces need to be distributed further at the point of contact with the ground. This is where outrigger pads come into play.

Crane Stabilizer Pads     

The job of the outrigger pad is to transfer a huge amount of pressure on the ground in contact with the bottom of the outrigger extension. If the pressure is not paid for, the ground may succumb to that pressure and cause the crane to tip over. Using outrigger pads is like giving your equipment a scaffold rather than a rickety old ladder.

Advantages of synthetic outrigger pads

Wooden outrigger pads are widely used because they are inexpensive and easy to source. However, wooden outrigger pads have some obvious disadvantages. Industrial plastic outrigger pads, as designed here by Abosn, are made from an extremely tough polymer called UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight) Polyethylene. UHMWPE outrigger pads are superior to those made from hardwood for a number of reasons.

Lightweight

As wood is absorbent, it not only absorbs chemicals from the liquids it encounters, it also adds extra weight. As site injuries are a constant problem, the last thing a construction operator needs is an employee straining their back while placing an outrigger pad.

The risk of injury is much lower when using synthetic outreach brace pads, which weigh half as much as wood. As we have already described, they do not add extra weight due to moisture.

 Outrigger Pads

Moisture and chemical resistance

Wood is highly porous and can absorb any liquid it encounters. Outrigger pads are often exposed to groundwater, precipitation and any potential contaminants in the groundwater. This can include motor oil, road salt, petrol, and other chemicals.

Synthetic outrigger pads are better able to withstand the harmful effects of moisture and chemicals. UHMWPE is unaffected by both, so your outrigger pads will not be affected by exposure to these elements.

Durability

The strength of UHMWPE comes from its long chains of high-quality molecules. It has the greatest impact strength of any thermoplastic currently manufactured. Our UHMWPE outrigger pads are designed to flex slightly over rough terrain, which prevents them from breaking under pressure. Wood is prone to cracking and splintering, and also swells and warps due to moisture absorption, which can weaken the mat.

Although timber is a cheaper material, UHMWPE has a much longer service life. There is no need to replace the leg pads regularly, just a set of synthetic pads for long service life.

Safety first

Abosn designs outrigger pads in a variety of sizes and configurations for use with cranes, earthmoving equipment, concrete pump trucks, rail service equipment, and more. Contact Abosn today for your safety and upgrade your job site safety!

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Since their debut in early 2014, FiberMax Crane Pads have revolutionized the crane & lifting industry by offering four distinct advantages over traditional steel and wooden pads. Traditional pads are heavy and difficult to transport. Wood timbers and wood pads can lack production consistency, have short life expectancies and require the use of a transition pad to spread the load to timbers not in direct contact with the outrigger float.

“We saw an opportunity to produce a lighter crane pad with similar strength and stiffness characteristics to wood and steel options but with a longer life span and consistent, verifiable properties,” says Kris Koberg, CEO of DICA.

FiberMax Crane Pads are engineered to optimize load distribution and minimize weight. They do not absorb water or chemicals, are easy to clean, and are simple to use. All pads are available in multiple lifting and stacking options to make handling and storage easier.

Advantages of FiberMax Crane Pads:

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  Engineered Performance:

  DICA’s FiberMax Crane Pads are engineered for optimal strength and rigidity, resulting in maximum load distribution performance at the lowest possible weight. The bi-directional shear web design inside the FiberMax Crane Pads directs outrigger loads in all four directions. This proven design makes our crane pads superior in lowering overall ground bearing pressures compared to traditional crane pads and mats.

•        

  Reduced Weight:

  FiberMax crane pads typically weigh 60 percent less than traditional crane pads and mats, potentially saving you thousands of pounds of trailer capacity. This savings increases trailer capacity or can eliminate the need for an additional trailer.

•        

  Durability & Longevity:

  The FRP composite material used to manufacture FiberMax Crane Pads provides decades-long resistance to chemicals, liquids and corrosion and enables our crane pads to thrive in environments that more quickly degrade wood and steel.

•        

  Lower Operation Costs:

  Decrease set up and tear down time with rigging-friendly hardware. Multiple lifting hardware options allow you to select the option best suited for your operation. FiberMax Crane Pads are also easy to clean and will not absorb moisture, bacteria or other contaminants, eliminating site-to-site contamination and rot or rust issues and concerns.

“We use FiberMax Crane Pads on our Liebherr and the operator and crew couldn’t be happier. They are easy to handle, we have confidence in the performance of the product, they look professional, and are going to pay for themselves in no time. We also like that they weigh half as much as our wood and steel plated crane pads,” said Joe Estep, Connelly Crane Rental. 

With a projected 20+ year service life, these lightweight crane pads will safely support equipment, protect your people, cut operating costs, and provide you with peace of mind. FiberMax crane pads are a superior solution for 80–500-ton cranes that require a bearing area of 20 to 80 square feet.

Check out FiberMax Crane Pads.

About DICA

DICA, Urbandale, Iowa, is a family-owned and operated company that specializes in building high performance engineered outrigger pads, crane pads, cribbing blocks and magnetic sling protectors that are lightweight, easy to use, and long-lasting. 

DICA has been specializing in building a better outrigger pad since 1988.  By creating engineered solutions for improving equipment stability and ergonomic safety, DICA is leading the way in product innovation for outrigger pads, crane pads and cribbing. DICA products are proudly Made in the USA, ASME B30.5 compliant and used by operators on all seven continents and 50+ countries around the world.

Are you interested in learning more about Crane Outrigger Pads? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!