Work sites pose some inherent risks and dangers to their workers. When heavy machinery is introduced, this danger is taken to the next level. Cranes and other tall machinery must be operated carefully as to ensure the safety of everyone on the job. Basic physics tells us that the taller an object is, the more likely small movements at its base can cause the entirety of the structure to tip over. In the event of a crane toppling over, not only is expensive equipment ruined, but lives and thousands of dollars could be lost. Outrigger pads would be the best option when it comes to safety.
Thus, part of the safety protocol when using machinery like that is placing it on a level surface. While the ground may seem flat, it has subtle imperfections that make it unreliable for withstanding the immense pressure caused by heavy machinery. Thousands of pounds of force press upon the dirt, causing it to shift or cave in, which would spell disaster for your crane.
Luckily, there is a simple tool workers can use to maximize stability for their heavy machinery. An Outrigger Pad is a large, strong surface placed under the base of a crane. With a solid outrigger crane pad, the weight from the machinery is distributed more evenly. It essentially creates a bigger footprint for your equipment. Would you rather place your heavy machinery on a solid, flat surface or trust loose dirt or gravel? I’d take the Outrigger Pad any day, and thousands of workers across the country agree. Let’s dive into what specifically makes Outrigger Pads so useful.
Wood vs High Density Polyethylene
Some workers opt for using wooden outrigger pads. Wood is inexpensive, and very easily sourced. While using wooden pallets as an outrigger pad may seem like a great idea, it has objective drawbacks that should sway you away from using them at your work site.
Wood is just not as structurally sound as a synthetic material. To make matters worse, wood is porous and can easily absorb water and chemicals. This can weaken the structural integrity of the wood causing it to break apart quickly and become unreliable. Another drawback of wood’s porous nature is, as water is absorbed, the wood becomes much heavier, while offering less safety. The heavier your outrigger pad is the more likely someone is to injure themselves placing it, and the less likely it is that the pad will be used at all.
Mytee Products sells the safest outrigger Pads constructed from High Density Polyethylene, an extremely strong yet lightweight synthetic material. Crane pads made from HDP can absorb thousands of pounds of force, while only weighing in at around 30 pounds for a 2×2’ pad. It is waterproof and chemical resistant, so it won’t swell up with water and become heavier. Additionally, High Density Polyethylene will stand the test of time and hold its own against harsh elements. One High Density Polyethylene pad may be more expensive than a wooden one, but it will last significantly longer and is far safer.
Load Distribution with Outrigger Pads
As stated above, an outrigger pads purpose is to absorb the weight of heavy machinery and to give a stable surface for it to rest upon. They create a bigger footprint for machinery, stabilizing them more effectively than the ground. While a crane may seem stable on normal dirt, small changes can dangerously affect their structural integrity. For example, the dirt may buckle and shift under the weight of the machinery. Small movements at the base of a crane equate to huge, dangerous movements at its peak.
Wind may also cause the machinery to shift and tip over if not on solid ground. Now with outrigger pads, you won’t need to worry about these issues. Mytee Products’ Outrigger Pads can withstand a whopping 35,000 lbs of force from a 45 degree load or up to 60,000 lbs with a fully vertical load. It has a crush rating of 200 PSI. This massive load distribution capacity comes in a lightweight, water and chemical resistant pad. It is a great investment for any work site where heavy machinery is used.
Conclusion
Don’t minimize the amount of safety on your job site by using a wooden outrigger pad or none at all. We want to use cranes and lifters as tools to get the job done, and not let their immense weight make them a safety liability. A Mytee Products’ one of auto towing accessories High Density Polyethylene Outrigger Pad will maximize safety and profits at your job site. It will help ensure your heavy machinery is stable and safe. Don’t cut corners and use wooden pads that are unsafe and require constant replacement. Get more idea about the outrigger pads with this video:
An investment in high quality Outrigger Pads from Mytee Products is an investment in safety and your financial future.
Head over to myteeproducts.com or call 1-888-705-8277 to purchase your High Density Polyethylene Outrigger Pads