sider a number of variables when specifying what type of outrigger pads to use,” said Eric Steiner, marketing director, Bigfoot Construction Equipment, Inc.“ Information on ground conditions, the type of machinery being used, climates and materials are all important factors.”
Ground Conditions Are the Most Important Factor
“ Knowing the exact ground bearing capacity( GBC), which is the amount that ground can hold before collapsing, or the approximate GBC based on the soil type, is crucial,” Steiner related.“ For example, equipment set up on concrete will affect the ground much differently than on undeveloped soil. Even though the same vehicle is being used, different padding will be required to meet the necessary broadcasting of weight to prevent the outriggers from sinking into the ground and causing equipment failure.
“ Ground conditions will signal if you need a larger pad or additional padding, cribbing or blocking,” Steiner added.“ But simply increasing the length and width of a pad will not always be the answer. You may also have to make the pad thicker to prevent deflection caused by having too much concentrated weight, especially on ground with a low GBC.”
The Type of Machinery Being Used May Require Certain Outrigger Pads
With utility vehicles, outriggers experience more vibration and shifting, so a pad that is built to counter that will be a better choice, Steiner noted. For example, a pad with beveled edges will stop the outrigger from going over the edge of the pad by moving with the outrigger as it shifts.
Additionally, in operations that require moving equipment on jobsites, picking up and putting down the outrigger pads impacts efficiency. In those cases, slide pads, which stay attached to the outriggers when they are lifted and the machine is being moved, can be a good choice.
“ However, there is not a onesize fits all pad so knowing the
24 • 800-247-2000 • September 2024