Outrigger Pad Sizing Guide

*Disclaimer
The following information provides guidance for the proper use of outrigger pads to set up cranes or other devices with outriggers or stabilizers. For more information refer to OSHA’s standard on cranes and derricks in construction (1926 Subpart CC). It is an employer’s/user's responsibility to devise policies and practices to establish workplace safety, including performing due diligence in setting up cranes and aerial equipment in accordance with the equipment manufacturers as well as state and federal requirements.
If you are ready to select your size and purchase Outrigger Pads,
please give us a call at 407-906-2736 and ask for our pad specialist, Sean. 

What Size Outrigger Pads Do I Need?

Finding the right Outrigger Size can seem intimidating at first but with our Outrigger Pad Sizing Guide, we will take a look at some general rules of thumb as well as OSHA's guidance that will help give you a much more in-depth insight on finding the right size.

General Calculations to Determine the Correct Outrigger Pad (Blocking) Size:

  • Rule of 5: Take the maximum lifting capacity in tons of the unit such as 50 tons, divide that by 5 = 10 sq. ft. of cribbing or blocking
  • Rule of 3: Take the square footage of the cranes floats and multiply by 3. Such as a 2×2 float = 4 sq. ft. Take 4 sq. ft. x 3 = 12 sq. ft. of cribbing or blocking

Examples of Soil Types and Load Bearing Capacities:

SOIL TYPE LOAD BEARING CAPACITY
Virgin Ground 22 psi
Asphalt 29 psi
Compressed Crushed Stone 36 psi
Clay/Silt Soil, Firm 43 psi
Mixed Granular Soil 51 psi
Firm Compacted Gravel 58 psi
Firm Compacted Gravel (more compacted) 72 psi
Firm Compacted Gravel (more compacted) 109 psi
Brittle Weathered Rock 145 psi
Concrete 1000 psi

*check the load chart or consult the unit manufacturer for the maximum outrigger down pressure for a single outrigger.

Outrigger Pad/Float Size in Square Inches:

ROUND
24 inch diameter 452 square inches
36 inch diameter 1017 square inches
48 inch diameter 1808 square inches
SQUARE
24 X 24 576 square inches
36 X 36 1296 square inches
48 X 48 2304 square inches

Specific Calculations to Determine the Correct Outrigger Pad Size:

Maximum outrigger down pressure* ÷ outrigger pad/float square inches = amount of pressure per square inch on the blocking material.

Example:

62,800* ÷ 1296 (sq. outrigger pad 36×36) = 48.5 lbs psi

Now consult the soil type chart above. With 48.5 lbs psi, the unit can be safely set up on “Mixed granular soil” or any soil with a higher load bearing pressure than 48.5 lbs psi.

This information was originally developed by Altec through the OSHA and Altec Alliance Program.