Material Matters The right material depends on factors like weight capacity, site conditions and longevity.
• Wood Mats: Traditional and cost-effective, these are common in dry geographies.
• Steel Mats: Extremely durable, ideal for high-load applications.
• Composite Pads: Lightweight, non-absorbent and resistant to weathering and chemicals, these are the industry’ s preferred choice for long-term use.
• Combination: To create an optimal outrigger system with conservative weight distribution, combining materials can enhance safety. Placing a wood pad on a composite pad improves load spreading due to wood’ s rigidity. Similarly, using a composite or wood pad on a steel mat prevents cosmetic damage from the aluminum outrigger shoe. In this setup, the pad is called a transition mat.
Handles, Shapes and Special Features
Beyond material selection, choosing the right handle type, shape and size can enhance usability and efficiency:
• Handles: Rope, rubber or internal cutouts make for easy transportation and positioning. As pads get larger and heavier, using wire rope or chain handles may be required to sustain the weight of the pad.
• Shapes and Sizes: Round pads are common as pads get heavier, allowing the operator to put them on the side and roll them into place, while square and rectangular options give more surface area for weight distribution but may require more labor or a forklift to move.
• Special Features: Engineered designs like interlocking mats, nonslip surfaces, and custom dimensions are common.
Lifting Safely Every Time
National Outrigger Pad and Crane Mat Day serves as a vital reminder that stability starts from the ground up. As technology advances and lifting operations evolve, investing in high-quality ground stabilization solutions remains the best way to protect crews, equipment and jobsites. Whether it’ s a routine lift or a complex heavy haul, the right outrigger pads and crane mats are the foundation of safety, performance and success.
26 April 25, 2025 www. contractorshotline. com