Application Guide. Mobile Cranes
Outrigger Pads for
Mobile Crane Operations
Load rated UHMW-PE pads from 5 to 315 tonnes. Square, round, modular, and Heavy Lift configurations covering city cranes through to all terrain and contract lift work. UK stock on the standard range, dedicated account manager on Heavy Lift, trade pricing on volume supply.
5 to 315t
Load Ratings
400 to 3000mm
Pad Sizes
Next Day
UK Standard Range
63+
SKUs in Range
Why Mobile Cranes Need Correct Outrigger Pads
Mobile cranes concentrate enormous loads through their outrigger feet. A 50-tonne crane can exert over 40 tonnes of reaction force through a single outrigger depending on lift radius and configuration. Without adequate spread area, ground pressure exceeds bearing capacity. The result is settlement, rotation or instability mid-lift.
UHMW-PE pads distribute load over a larger contact area, keeping ground pressure within safe limits. Unlike timber, they won't split under repeated loading, won't absorb water on wet sites, and maintain their rated capacity throughout their service life. Every pad in our range carries a full load rating, not an estimate.
For all-terrain cranes 200t and above, or where outrigger reactions push past 100 tonnes per leg, the standard range tops out and the Heavy Lift range takes over. 1500mm to 3000mm plates rated 126 to 315 tonnes.
Selecting the Right Pad for Your Crane
Three inputs determine the correct pad size:
Maximum Outrigger Reaction Force
From your crane duty chart or outrigger load table. This is the highest force any single outrigger will carry during the planned lift, not the crane's total capacity.
Ground Bearing Capacity
From a ground investigation or a conservative site assumption. Typical values: concrete/tarmac 400 kN/m², firm clay 100 to 150 kN/m², soft ground 50 to 75 kN/m², made ground 25 to 50 kN/m².
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 directly for lift plans and quote approval.
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
Up to 35 MPa, significantly higher than construction timber
Water Absorption
Near zero, maintains rated capacity on wet ground
Chemical Resistance
Resistant to fuels, oils and hydraulic fluid
Surface Finish
Textured for grip. Handles fitted on pads 600mm and above
Load Ratings
Each pad independently rated. Full specs on every product page
Standards Alignment
Ground bearing values aligned with IPAF technical guidance. BS 7121 compatible
Service Life
Maintains rated capacity throughout service life with no degradation from repeated loading
Recommended Pads for Mobile Cranes
Most mobile crane applications are best served by premium square or round pads in the 800mm to 1200mm range. Modular systems handle higher loads on weaker ground. The Heavy Lift range covers all-terrain and contract lift work above 200 tonnes.
Square Crane Pads
Maximum footprint for a given size. 400mm to 1200mm. Rated 13 to 155 tonnes. First choice when you need to maximise spread area.
View Range →Round Crane Pads
Consistent load spread in all directions. 800mm to 1200mm. Rated 31 to 126 tonnes. General purpose outrigger pad for mobile cranes.
View Range →Modular Systems
Scalable interlocking sections for higher loads and weaker ground. 1500mm and 1800mm configurations rated up to 200 tonnes.
View Range →Heavy Lift Plates
1500mm to 3000mm UHMW-PE plates rated 126 to 315 tonnes. For all-terrain cranes, contract lifts, and project work where the standard range runs out of capacity. Enquiry led, dedicated account manager, 24hr quote response.
View Heavy Lift →Full Premium Range
Browse all premium crane pads. Every pad independently rated with full specs, dimensions and load ratings listed.
View All →For 200t+ All Terrain Cranes and Contract Lifts
When outrigger reactions exceed roughly 100 tonnes per leg, the standard square and modular range tops out. The Heavy Lift range starts there. Six SKUs from 1500×1500mm at 126 tonnes through to 3000×2000mm at 315 tonnes. Suited to AT cranes 250t and above, large crawler crane track ramps, and any contract lift specification that needs proper bearing area and a documented load rating.
126 to 315t
Load Rating
1500 to 3000mm
Plate Size
From £1,249
Ex VAT
Heavy Lift orders run through a dedicated account manager. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24hr with pricing and lead time. Pallet freight quoted per delivery. Trade pricing available on volume supply.
Common Mobile Crane Setups
City Cranes, up to 60t
Typically 800mm to 1000mm square or round pads. Outrigger loads generally 15 to 40 tonnes. Often working on hard standing, car parks or near buildings where surface protection is a factor alongside load distribution.
All-Terrain Cranes, 60t to 200t
1000mm to 1200mm pads or modular systems depending on ground conditions. Higher outrigger loads require larger spread areas, particularly on soft or variable ground where bearing capacity is uncertain.
All-Terrain Cranes, 200t to 750t (Heavy Lift)
Outrigger reactions on 250t and above AT cranes routinely exceed 100 tonnes per leg. Heavy Lift plates 1500mm to 3000mm cover this band. Specify based on duty chart reaction force and ground bearing capacity. Pallet freight per delivery, lead time confirmed at quote stage.
Crawler Cranes and Track Protection
Modular mat systems under tracks for ground protection and load distribution. Heavy Lift plates also used for ramped track entry on prepared sites. Contact us with your crane's track pressure and ground conditions for configuration advice.
Fleet and Plant Hire Supply
If you run multiple cranes or a mixed fleet, we can supply standardised pad sets across your range. Call us with your crane models and we'll work out a set that covers your typical lifts without overcomplicating the spec.
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 come back with pricing the same working day. Volume, fleet supply, and Heavy Lift orders receive a reduction on standard RRP. No obligation, no sales call unless you want one.
We reply same working day. If 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 quoted within 24hr.
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.
