Aerial Work Platforms 101: Why Outrigger Pads Are Critical Even On Stable Ground

There is nothing aerial work platforms cannot do. They are the perfect blend of versatility and functionality. However, they work best when you give them a stable ground to operate on.

Since that is not always possible, advanced lifting solutions like those offered by Platform Basket Canada, come with powerful outrigger pads that you can deploy whenever you are working on muddy jobsites, soft lawns, sloping surfaces, and uneven gravel.

But did you know that using outrigger pads is critical even when you are on even ground? Many operators assume that “stable” surfaces such as asphalt parking lots, concrete slabs, interior floors, and paved walkways do not require outrigger pads but they do.

Today, Platform Basket Canada, the leading supplier of aerial work platforms in Canada, will show you why outrigger pads are not a back-up option but a core part of safe operations.

Why Should You Always Deploy Outrigger Pads When Using Aerial Work Platforms?

There are many reasons to deploy outrigger pads on stable ground. We have discussed the most major ones below so operators like you can have a safe experience onsite every time:

To balance pressure

The belief that mass guarantees stability is a common assumption. But it does not apply in the case of aerial work platforms.

Lightweight and compact by design, the stability of these lifts can change when they are in an elevated state – especially if their booms have been extended horizontally. This action triggers a significant increase in downward force at outrigger contact points, which can make the whole lift unstable.

However, pads enlarge the footprint of the platform, thus decreasing ground pressure as well as the risk of point-load failure. This is critical as concrete ground can crack or deform when point-load failure occurs. To prevent damage to tiles, epoxy floors, and decorative surfaces, you must use outrigger pads at all times.

To prevent drift movement at heights

When we say Platform Basket Canada’s spider lifts are engineered for precision, we truly mean it. Featuring self-leveling technology, our lifts always maintain a firm position, irrespective of ground condition.

However, not all lifts from all brands are built the same. Certain models do not have the capacity to compensate for micro deflections, surface flex, brittle material structure, and thermal softness. Each of these factors can destabilize your lift and even cause a catastrophic failure.

You can avert this disaster by using your platform’s built-in pads. Acting as shock absorbers, they can prevent drift movement at height, thus ensuring workers in the basket do not have to face the sudden disbalance that micro-movements cause.

To protect the ground’s surface and your reputation

As a professional operator, you already know the cost of damaging client property. Not only does it lead to monetary loss, but it can also significantly hurt your reputation in the market, thus leading to fewer job orders and bleeding profits.

If you want to protect client property and prevent contract loss, you must make use of the outrigger pads your machine comes with.

Floors of spaces such as hotels, gymnasiums, hospitals, universities, commercial and residential properties, heritage sites, etc., are generally tiled and prone to cracking when subjected to extreme pressure. Pads can absorb this pressure and prevent the creation of punch marks caused by outriggers. Let us just say they play a critical role in protecting your client’s property and their trust in you.

Conclusion

An aerial work platform is not supposed to just make working at heights easier. It is also supposed to make it safer. However, stability comes from the ground up, and that is where outrigger pads come in. Whether you are trimming trees or installing signage, deploying outrigger pads is not an option – it is a critical safety measure. Choosing the right platform for your fleet.

Platform Basket Canada provides self-leveling aerial work platforms with built-in outrigger pads to ensure maximum stability and safety on the job. Contact us to get the best spider lifts in all of Ontario.

FAQs

What is the ideal pad size for a spider lift’s outriggers?

There is no fixed ideal size per se. You simply need to ensure that the pads you use are large enough to reduce ground pressure and prevent damage.

Can multiple outrigger pads be stacked to get the desired height?

Yes, but only if you get pads that are specifically designed for stacking. Once you pile them up, make sure the stack is centered and stable.

Can outrigger pads be used on suspended floors?

Certainly, but you have to confirm the floor’s structural rating before you attempt to do that. Assuming a rooftop can handle its load can lead to unfortunate and avoidable accidents.