Application Guide. Mobile Cranes
Outrigger Pads for
Mobile Crane Operations
Manufacturer-listed pad capacities cover regular square and round Premium pads up to 126 tonnes and Heavy Lift plates from 126 to 315 tonnes. Select each pad using the verified maximum outrigger reaction, required bearing area and ground bearing capacity. Stock and dispatch timing are confirmed per order. Heavy Lift enquiries receive a dedicated account manager, with trade terms available for volume supply.
Up to 126t
Regular Premium Capacity
400 to 3000mm
Pad Sizes
Per Order
Stock & Dispatch
Source-Led
Product Selection
Why Mobile Cranes Need Correct Outrigger Pads
Mobile cranes concentrate load through their outrigger feet, but gross crane capacity is not a safe shortcut for pad selection. Maximum reaction changes with the load, radius, configuration and setup. Use the highest outrigger reaction from the manufacturer data, duty chart or lift plan, then check both pad capacity and ground pressure.
UHMW-PE pads increase the contact area used to distribute load, but a pad does not by itself prove that the ground is adequate. The supporting surface and subsurface still require assessment. Use the manufacturer-listed capacity for the exact pad and inspect it before every lift.
Where the verified reaction or required bearing area exceeds a suitable regular Premium option, assess the Heavy Lift range. These 1500mm to 3000mm plates have manufacturer-listed pad capacities from 126 to 315 tonnes; ground suitability remains a separate check.
Selecting the Right Pad for Your Crane
Three inputs determine the correct pad size:
Verified Maximum Outrigger Reaction
Use the highest force on any single outrigger for the planned lift, taken from manufacturer data, the duty chart or the lift plan. It is not the crane's gross lifting capacity.
Ground Bearing Capacity
Use a value established by a competent assessment of the actual site and supporting layers. Calculator presets are screening inputs only and must not replace ground investigation or temporary-works advice where required.
Site Conditions
Tarmac, concrete, grass, soft ground, near excavations, sensitive surfaces. All affect which pad type and size is appropriate. Hi-Viz pads are recommended for public-facing or pedestrian areas.
Our Pad Size Calculator takes these inputs and recommends a pad from our range in under a minute. The calculator covers the full range from MEWP pads through to Heavy Lift plates. Results can be emailed for enquiry and lift-plan review; a screening result does not approve a lift.
Material and Technical Specification
All CPS pads are manufactured from UHMW-PE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene). The technical properties that make it the right choice for crane outrigger applications:
Material
UHMW-PE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene)
Compressive Strength
Refer to the manufacturer data for the exact pad; do not derive pad capacity from a generic material-strength figure
Water Absorption
UHMW-PE is moisture resistant; pad condition and the supporting ground still require inspection
Chemical Resistance
Check the product guidance and inspect the pad after contamination or chemical exposure
Surface Finish
Surface finish and handle provision vary by product; check the individual specification
Load Ratings
Use the manufacturer-listed capacity for the exact product; dimensions and specifications are shown on its page
Standards Alignment
Pad capacity and ground suitability are separate checks; the lift plan must confirm both
Inspection and Service Life
No blanket service life applies. Inspect before every use and withdraw damaged pads pending competent assessment
Recommended Pads for Mobile Cranes
Pad shape and size must be selected from the verified outrigger reaction, float geometry, required bearing area and assessed ground capacity. Regular Premium, modular and Heavy Lift options cover different footprints and listed pad capacities; crane gross tonnage alone does not select the pad.
Square Crane Pads
Square footprints from 400mm to 1200mm. Check the exact product's manufacturer-listed pad capacity against the verified outrigger reaction and required bearing area.
View Range →Round Crane Pads
Round footprints from 800mm to 1200mm. Check the exact product specification against the verified outrigger reaction, float geometry and required bearing area.
View Range →Modular Systems
Interlocking configurations for larger bearing areas. Use only the manufacturer data for the complete stated layout and verify both its capacity and the supporting ground.
View Range →Heavy Lift Plates
1500mm to 3000mm UHMW-PE plates with manufacturer-listed pad capacities from 126 to 315 tonnes. Assess them where verified reaction or bearing-area requirements exceed a regular Premium option. Enquiry led, with stock, lead time and freight confirmed at quote stage.
View Heavy Lift →Full Premium Range
Browse all regular Premium crane pads, with dimensions and manufacturer-listed pad capacities shown on the individual product pages.
View All →Heavy Lift Plates: 126 to 315 Tonnes Listed Pad Capacity
Six Heavy Lift sizes run from 1500×1500mm at 126 tonnes to 3000×2000mm at 315 tonnes manufacturer-listed pad capacity. Select by verified maximum reaction, float geometry, required bearing area and assessed ground capacity. Crawler track support and ramps require a separately engineered mat arrangement; an outrigger plate must not be assumed suitable.
126 to 315t
Load Rating
1500 to 3000mm
Plate Size
From £1,249
Ex VAT
Heavy Lift orders run through a dedicated account manager. Pricing, stock, lead time and pallet freight are confirmed for each enquiry. Pallet freight quoted per delivery. Trade pricing available on volume supply.
Common Mobile Crane Setups
Compact and City-Crane Operations
Select from the verified maximum reaction and assessed ground capacity for the planned configuration. Hard standing, car parks and areas near structures still require checks of the supporting surface and underlying layers.
Mobile and All-Terrain Crane Operations
Do not choose a pad from crane gross tonnage. Compare the verified outrigger reaction with the exact pad's listed capacity, then confirm the bearing area keeps design pressure within the assessed ground capacity.
Heavy and Project Lifts
Heavy Lift plates from 1500mm to 3000mm have listed pad capacities from 126 to 315 tonnes. Specify from the verified maximum reaction, float geometry and assessed ground capacity. Pallet freight per delivery, lead time confirmed at quote stage.
Crawler and Track-Bearing Enquiries
Crawler track support and ramps require an engineered mat arrangement for the stated track loads and site conditions. Do not assume an outrigger plate is suitable for this use. Contact us with the design requirements so the correct specialist route can be identified.
Fleet and Plant Hire Supply
For mixed fleets, we can help shortlist standard pad sets from verified machine data. The appointed person must still confirm the maximum reaction, ground assessment and selected pad for every lift configuration.
Technical Questions
What information do I need to specify the right pad?
When does my crane need a Heavy Lift plate instead of the standard range?
Are the load ratings tested or calculated?
Can UHMW-PE pads be used on tarmac or concrete?
Do pads need to be larger than the outrigger float?
Can you supply a certificate or documentation with the pads?
Do you offer trade pricing for volume orders?
Request a Trade Quote
Tell us what you need and we'll return pricing and availability for the specific request. Volume, fleet supply, and Heavy Lift orders receive a reduction on standard RRP. No obligation, no sales call unless you want one.
If the request is urgent, call 07752 806706 direct.
Quote request sent.
We'll come back to you same working day with pricing. If it's urgent, call 07752 806706.Need Advice on Pads for Your Fleet?
Tell us the crane model and typical lift configuration. We'll recommend pad sizes for your standard setups and can supply in volume for fleet roll-outs. Heavy Lift specifications are quoted with lead time and freight confirmed for the enquiry.
Related Guides and Tools
Pad Size Calculator
Enter your outrigger load and ground type. Get an instant pad recommendation.
Ground Bearing Calculator
Check whether your pad keeps ground pressure within safe limits.
Heavy Lift Technical Guide
Engineer-spec page for AT cranes and contract lifts. Ground bearing math, full range, enquiry form.
Spreader Plates Overview
Full outrigger pad and spreader plate range from MEWP through to Heavy Lift.
Pad Size Chart
Compare all CPS pad sizes, load ratings and dimensions in one table.
FAQ
Sizing, load ratings, ground bearing, ordering and delivery.
