In crane operation, the stability of the ground directly determines safety. Even seemingly flat ground may have minor flaws and be unable to withstand the huge pressure of heavy machinery. Crane outrigger pads are not ordinary pads.
What is a crane outrigger pad?
The crane outrigger pad is a heavy-duty and large-surface area support tool, placed beneath the crane base. Its core function is to evenly distribute the weight to a larger ground area and prevent local ground damage due to excessive pressure. The crane outriggers are the telescopic arms of the crane base. The outriggers expand the support range, and the outrigger pads optimize the ground force. The combination of the two ensures the balance throughout the heavy lifting process and avoids local overload and instability.
Why choose UHMWPE crane outrigger pads?
There are mainly three materials for crane outriggers: UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene), wood, and metal. Among them, UHMWPE has outstanding performance and has become the preferred choice for high-end professional scenarios.
1. Outstanding durability
UHMWPE has extremely strong toughness and wear resistance, capable of withstanding heavy loads and harsh environments. Its service life far exceeds that of wood and steel leg pads, offering higher long-term investment value.
2. Lightweight and easy to move
Compared with steel leg pads, UHMWPE material is lighter, significantly reducing the difficulty of handling operations. Its advantages are particularly prominent in remote and complex terrain scenarios.
3. Low coefficient of friction
The friction coefficient of UHMWPE is extremely low, allowing it to slide easily, reducing the traction force of crane movement, and at the same time avoiding scratches and crushing damage to the ground.
4. Resistant to chemical corrosion
Wooden leg pads are prone to cracking, rotting, warping and absorbing water. They need to be regularly painted and sealed for maintenance. Moreover, they are flammable and prone to attracting insects and ants, and have poor safety and durability. In contrast, the outrigger pads made of UHMWPE can resist the erosion of various chemical substances such as acids, alkalis and solvents, and have excellent UV resistance. They are suitable for long-term use in harsh outdoor climates and are not prone to aging.
5. Strong temperature adaptability
UHMWPE can maintain stable strength and performance in extremely cold to hot environments, suitable for various climate zones, and its versatility far exceeds that of traditional materials.
Xinxing Plastic is a manufacturer of outrigger pads in China. The UHMWPE outrigger pads directly supplied by the factory have the advantages of being not easily damaged, waterproof, UV-resistant, and resistant to chemical erosion. They are tough in texture, have strong load-bearing capacity, can withstand extreme temperatures, and are easy to clean and move. They are the best choice.
How to calculate crane outrigger pad size?
The size of the outrigger pads is directly related to the tonnage of the crane. The larger the tonnage, the larger the required area is usually. The principle of “tonnage matching size” should be followed to avoid affecting operation safety.
The following are common examples of size matching for off-road cranes and outrigger pads. In actual use, the official guidelines of the manufacturers should be referred to first
13-ton off-road crane: Compatible with 600×600× 40mm outrigger pads
20-ton off-road crane: Compatible with 700×700× 40mm outrigger pads
25-ton off-road crane: Compatible with 800×800× 40mm outrigger pads
70-ton off-road crane: Compatible with 1100×1100× 40mm outrigger pads
80-ton off-road crane: Compatible with 1000×1000× 50mm outrigger pads
100-ton off-road crane: Compatible with 1100×1100× 40mm outrigger pads
Safety Tips for Using crane outrigger pads
Point 1: Set up outrigger pads in a standardized manner
For any outrigger system, standardized setting and leveling are the key to functional guarantee. Operators must strictly follow the manufacturer’s charts to ensure that the levelness and slope are within the allowable range.
Improper leveling will reduce the hoisting capacity, lead to uneven load distribution and cause stability problems.
Point 2: Choose outrigger pads in compliance
Before the operation, the latest ground condition data should be obtained to clarify the load-bearing capacity, thereby determining the type and size of the crane outrigger pads that are suitable. Ground assessment is the prerequisite for the selection of outrigger pads.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1402 “Ground Conditions” stipulates: “Equipment shall not be assembled and used (except for swamps/wetlands) unless the ground is solid, well-drained and level, and when necessary, in combination with supporting materials such as pads and wooden stacks to meet the manufacturer’s requirements for support and levelness.”
ASME B30.5-3.2.1.5(i) standard requirements: The cushion blocks under the outrigger float plate must have sufficient strength to prevent failure, and their dimensions must fully support the float plate, transfer the load, and prevent displacement and settlement.
Point 3: Don’t use outriggers to build Bridges or cross gaps
Outrigger pads used in the construction industry must not be used for bridge construction or crossing gaps; otherwise, it will cause uneven force distribution, leading to breakage, displacement and overturning of cranes.
Maintenance and inspection of outrigger pads
Even the leg pads of reinforced will wear out with use. Regularly maintain and inspect the outrigger pads for any damage, wear or deformation. Such problems will directly affect the load-bearing capacity. Once discovered, they should be immediately stopped from use for replacement or repair.
Meanwhile, the oil stains and debris on the surface of the heavy duty UHMWPE crane outrigger pads need to be cleaned to ensure that the contact surface is flat and clean and avoid uneven load distribution.
The outrigger pads should be cleaned regularly on a daily basis. They should be stored dry and flat, avoiding direct sunlight, rain or being squeezed by heavy objects to prevent premature aging and damage.
Conclusion: Invest in quality outrigger pad manufacturers
The UHMWPE outriggers of Industrial grade have become the preferred choice for crane operations due to their durability, lightness, corrosion resistance, and wide temperature adaptability. Consult Xinxing, a professional UHMWPE outrigger pad supplier from China, to scientifically select durable outrigger pads based on the model, load and ground conditions, and customize the size of your crane outrigger pads according to your personal needs.
FAQs about UHMWPE outrigger pads
Q1: Can wood be used to replace UHMWPE outrigger pads?
A: Wooden leg pads are prone to damage, have high maintenance costs, and poor safety and durability. They can only be temporarily used in scenarios with light loads and excellent ground conditions. For professional operations, durable UHMWPE material is preferred.
Q2: How to determine the appropriate size of outrigger pads for your crane?
A: The core method is to calculate by combining the total load, the number of outriggers, and the ground load-bearing capacity. You can also consult the supplier for parameters to obtain professional advice.
Q3: Does OSHA mandate the use of outrigger pads?
A: OSHA does not directly mandate the use of outriggers, but it requires that the working ground have sufficient load-bearing capacity and support materials be used when necessary. The outrigger pads are compliant support materials and can meet OSHA standards when used when the ground load-bearing capacity is insufficient.
Q4: How often should the outrigger pads be inspected?
A: It is recommended to check whether the anti-slip crane is damaged, deformed or has debris before each use, and conduct a comprehensive inspection of the crane outrigger pads every month.
