"Crane positions must be compacted!” Who hasn’t seen the legendary video of a crane operator’s ranting after his crane sank into the soft ground on a construction site? Crane pads from Securatek he wouldn't have had the problem.
On almost every construction site where heavy machinery such as truck-mounted or mobile cranes are used, a key question arises sooner or later: How do we ensure safe footing? Without a secure base, there is a risk to people, machines, and materials.
The answer in many cases is: with a high-quality crane mat or Crane Pad, because they are fast and safe solution for construction sites with uncompacted crane sites.
What is a crane mat?
A crane mat (also known as Crane Pad, outrigger plate or load distribution plate) is a load-bearing levelling plate that is placed under the supports of cranes or other heavy construction machinery.
Crane Pads ensure safety through load distribution
The central function of the crane mat is the load distributionWhen a crane is supported, the entire load of the machine acts on a few small contact surfaces – the Outrigger Pads.
Without a suitable base, these would sink into the ground on unpaved crane sites. Crane pads are indispensable, especially when working on unpaved terrain, such as fields, forests, or construction sites with uncompacted subsoil.
The crane mat increases this contact area and thus prevents the concentration of weight on small points.
This not only improves the Stability drastically increased, but the soil protected from damageThis is especially important on hard surfaces such as asphalt, concrete and paving, as these surfaces can break under heavy point loads.
Application of crane mats in various areas
Crane pads are not only used for cranes and crane vehicles. They also provide a safe solution for supporting and distributing loads in other areas. They are also suitable for, for example:
Example of use for crane mats on uncompacted crane site
A good example of the use of plastic crane support pads can be seen in the images above, which a customer sent us. They show a construction site in a forested area where a mobile crane was being used. However, the forest floor is uneven, partially damp, and not particularly strong enough to support the point loads of the crane supports.
Here, artificial panels are used, which were also stacked to To compensate for differences in floor levelThey form the necessary contact surface for the Outrigger Pads, prevent sinking and ensure optimal distribution of the loadThis made a safe lifting process possible in the first place.
Why plastic as a material for Crane Pads?
Plastic Crane Pads offer decisive advantages over wooden or Steel road plates:
- Weather resistance: The durable plastic does not rot, does not swell, does not splinter and is resistant to moisture, oils and chemicals.
- High load capacity: The material can easily support several tons per plate.
- Low weight: Compared to Steel road plates, plastic plates are significantly lighter and easier to transport.
- Easy to use: Many panels have recessed grips or integrated rope or hook eyes.
- Longevity: Plastic crane mats are extremely robust and can be used repeatedly for many years.
Conclusion: Safety begins with the underground
Crane support pads from Securatek not only increase safety on the construction site, but also protect machines and the ground, reduce downtime and lower operating costs in the long term.
Are you looking for suitable crane mats for your project? We'll be happy to advise you and find the ideal solution for your requirements.
