Picking the wrong outrigger pad is one of the most common mistakes on site. Too small and you risk ground failure. Too big and you are paying for material you do not need and adding weight your operators have to handle.
Why Pad Selection Matters
Every crane, MEWP, or piece of plant with outriggers needs pads that do two things. First, spread the outrigger load over enough ground area to stay within the bearing capacity. Second, handle the structural load without the pad itself failing. Get either wrong and you have a problem. Ground failure can happen slowly (the pad sinks) or suddenly (the outrigger punches through). Neither is acceptable on a working site.
Start With the Machine Type
Different machines put different loads through their outriggers. A 3.5 tonne spider crane and a 100 tonne mobile crane need completely different pads.
Up to 8 tonnes GVW. 400mm to 600mm pads. Outrigger loads usually under 5 tonnes per leg. The CPS Essential Range covers this well.
Up to 20 tonnes GVW. 600mm to 800mm pads. Often work on roads, verges and construction sites where ground varies.
800mm to 1200mm pads. Outrigger loads from 10 to 30 tonnes per leg. Pad sizing calculations become important here.
1200mm pads or larger. On soft ground may need modular interlocking mats. CPS stocks up to 2000x1200mm large format.
Check the Ground
The ground bearing capacity sets the minimum pad area. Hard standing like concrete can take 400 kN/m². Soft clay or topsoil might only handle 75 kN/m². That is a fivefold difference. A pad that works fine on a concrete yard might be completely inadequate on grass.
If you are not sure about the ground, treat it as the worst case. Using a pad that is one size larger than you think you need costs a few extra pounds. Using one that is too small costs much more.
Check whether a specific pad will work on your ground conditions before the crane arrives.
Square vs Round
Square pads give more bearing area per millimetre of width. A 1000mm square pad has 1.0 m² of area. A 1000mm round pad has 0.79 m². For the same footprint, square gives roughly 27% more ground contact.
Round pads are preferred where the outrigger can rotate under load or where the pad needs to sit on uneven ground. The circular shape means load distribution stays even regardless of which direction the outrigger foot faces.
Flat vs Recessed
Flat pads sit under the outrigger foot. Simple, universal. Recessed pads have a machined dish that locates the outrigger foot and stops it sliding off. If your machine has a round outrigger foot and works on slopes or uneven ground, recessed is worth considering. For most other applications, flat pads do the job.
Use the Calculator
Enter your outrigger load and ground type. Get an instant recommendation from the CPS range in under 30 seconds.
For a broader overview, we have put together a Crane Pad Selection and Application Guide covering main machine categories, ground types, sizing logic and CPS product recommendations. Download it from our Guides page.
Start with the machine type to get a ballpark size. Check the ground to confirm minimum area. Choose square or round based on the application. Use the calculator for specific jobs. And if you are not sure, call us. We have sized pads for every type of crane and plant hire operation across the UK.
Find the Right Pad for Your Machine
Use the Pad Size Calculator for an instant recommendation, or call us for specific advice.
