dimensions of the outrigger is crucial for getting the correct padding for the machine,” Steiner said.“ This applies to all different types of equipment, including bucket trucks, boom trucks, aerial work platforms, cranes, spider lifts or any other outrigger equipped machinery.”
Each Type of Outrigger
Pad Material Has Its Pros and Cons
Some jobs require simple outrigger solutions while others require problem solving, Steiner noted.“ When it comes to materials, wood pads are more rigid so they will not deflect, but they can break if overloaded,” he explained.“ Composite pads have a natural deflection, which prevents them from cracking or breaking, and if there is any deflection, the pad can be flipped to the other side.
“ Where the ground conditions are exceptionally poor, using a combination of wood and composite pads will provide the safest setup,” Steiner continued.“ Using a wood pad on top of a composite pad allows the weight to be broadcast to a wider area of the composite pad, preventing deflection and providing a wider footprint for the outrigger.”
Different Climates Can Present Different Challenges
In typical applications, wood pads last up to 10 years, but if the outrigger pad is being used in a dry climate, it can last much longer, Steiner advised. If you’ re in climates that can be rainy one day and then humid and muddy the next, composite pads will be a better option because they
In operations that require moving equipment on jobsites, slide pads can be an efficient choice.
September 2024 • www. thepartsconnection. org • 25