What is an outrigger pad? - Project Sports
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What is an outrigger pad?

6 min read

Asked by: Paige Collins

An outrigger pad is a thick piece of material used under the outrigger on heavy equipment to assist in stabilization and prevent destruction of the surface on which the heavy equipment is operating; both are required by OSHA.

What are outrigger pads used for?

The outrigger pad is used to displace the point of contact pressure PSI/ PSF that the ground sees. The outrigger pad expands & displaces the point of contact from the equipment’s outrigger/ pontoon/ shoe/ float. This will decrease the PSI or PSF for the GBC ( ground bearing capacity).

Are outrigger pads required?

According to OSHA, safety is always a requirement. OSHA 1926.1402 states that, in all instances in which a crane or other lifting equipment is used, the ground on which the equipment is placed must be firm, sufficiently drained, properly graded, and able to support blocking, cribbing, and outrigger pads.

What is an outrigger on a crane?

When you operate a crane truck, you also operate hydraulic or manual outriggers. Outriggers keep your truck stable during any kind of lift by extending outward and making contact with the ground several feet away from the truck. This provides a solid, stable base by distributing the crane’s load over a larger area.

What size outrigger pads do I need?

An outrigger pad should be at least three times the square surface area of the outrigger shoe or float, provided you are working on Grade A soil conditions.

What does OSHA require all vehicles to be equipped with?

All vehicles shall have a service brake system, an emergency brake system, and a parking brake system. These systems may use common components, and shall be maintained in operable condition.

What do you mean by outrigger?

Definition of outrigger



1a : a projection with a float or a shaped log at the end attached to a boat to prevent capsizing. b : a spar or projecting beam run out from a ship’s side to help secure the masts or from a mast to extend a rope or sail. 2 : a boat equipped with an outrigger.

How do you use an outrigger?

Sometimes you can use your hand to let this loose to the right is tight. So i'm gonna pull it open with my fingers just by grabbing behind here and popping it.

What guidelines should you follow when using a crane with outriggers?

  • If a crane has outriggers they should be used on every lift.
  • All outriggers on a crane must be used if an outrigger load chart is being used for calculating load capacities.
  • Even on ideal, solid ground always use outrigger floats or mats.
  • Use of a crane’s outriggers is your choice.
  • What is crane cribbing?

    OSHA 1926.1401



    Blocking (also referred to as “cribbing”) is wood or other material used to support equipment or a component and distribute loads to the ground. It is typically used to support lattice boom sections during assembly/disassembly and under outrigger and stabilizer floats.

    What is dunnage on a crane?

    Dunnage:Loose materials used to support, separate and protect equipment, parts, and accessories during storage and stabilization.

    What is counterweight in crane?

    Counterweights are the weights either built into the body of a crane or applied additionally, that stop the crane from falling over when it is lifting an item.

    Do crawler cranes use outriggers?

    Unlike other cranes, crawler cranes do not use outriggers for stability. The lattice boom is lighter than booms found on other cranes, so crawler cranes have a wider operating radius due to the lesser boom weight. Still, crawler cranes cannot move from site to site due to their considerable size.

    What is a hammerhead crane?

    Definition of hammerhead crane



    : a heavy-duty crane with a horizontal counterbalanced jib.

    Do tower cranes have outriggers?

    Along with counterweights, they ensure that cranes stay standing even when transporting the heaviest of loads. Outriggers extend from the bottom of the crane and stabilize it from the ground. They lift the crane off its wheels, removing the possibility of the crane shifting its position from slight wheel movements.

    What is the advantage of using a crawler type crane?

    The main advantage of crawler cranes is that they can move around on site and perform each lift with little set-up, since the crane is stable on its tracks with no outriggers. An additional advantage is that crawler cranes are capable of traveling with a load.

    What is a spider crane?

    A “SPYDERCRANE “ mini-crawler is a mini-crane that has been designed and built for working in low access confined areas either indoors or outdoors. It is mounted on a dual track chassis with “spider-type” legs for its outriggers.

    What are the disadvantages of a crane?

    Disadvantages of Tower Crane

    • These cranes are very expensive and they require time, effort and money to be shifted from one area to another.
    • They have a high maintenance cost for repairs and depreciation.
    • They have a major labor-intensive to install.


    What is the difference between tower crane and mobile crane?

    As their names suggest, mobile cranes are able to move around independently whereas tower cranes are fixated to a single spot once they are set up. Mobile cranes are capable to move from site to site and are roadworthy, unlike the tower crane that cannot move around once set-up.

    What is a small crane called?

    Carry Deck Crane



    They’re small, four-wheeled, can rotate a full 360 degrees, and are more portable than other types of cranes. Carry deck cranes are simple to set up, and their small size easily allows them to navigate around confined and open spaces, making them a staple on many job sites.

    How do cranes stay up?

    No matter their size, they’re all made using the same key parts: A base that’s bolted down to a concrete pad and connects to a mast or tower. A “slewing unit” attached to the top that’s made up of a motor and ring gear, which the crane uses to rotate.

    What is a saddle jib tower crane?

    Saddle jib cranes offer many benefits, generally cheaper to hire than a luffing equivalent, quicker operation, lower power and easier to erect and dismantle. They can be placed onto a ballast base or fixing angles and climbed to great heights if required.

    What is difference between jib and luffing?

    A luffing tower crane is also known as a luffing-jib crane. Its design is similar to a hammerhead tower crane, with the exception that the jib is latticed and can be raised and lowered—a motion called “luffing.” With additional jib mobility, these cranes can: Lift heavier capacities than hammerhead cranes.

    What is a crane saddle?

    Wheel Unit for Gantry Crane Saddle. The wheel unit for Hitachi’s gantry crane saddle is compact unit with integrated structure. It can be used not only for gantry cranes but also for traverser of overhead traveling cranes.