Heavy Lift Spreader Plates

Project-Grade UHMW-PE Plates for All-Terrain Cranes & Contract Lifts

Single-piece engineering-grade plates from 1500x1500mm to 3000x2000mm. Manufacturer-listed pad capacities 126 to 315 tonnes. Sized for project lift work where the verified outrigger load or required bearing area exceeds the regular range. Sold enquiry-led with a dedicated account manager and 24hr quote response.

126 to 315t

Listed Pad Capacity

1500 to 3000mm

Plate Size

2.25 to 6.0m²

Bearing Area

24hr

Quote Response

UHMW-PE Engineering Grade IPAF Aligned Ground Values BS 7121 Compatible LOLER · PUWER

When to Specify Heavy Lift

Three reasons to assess the Heavy Lift range. Final selection must pass both the manufacturer-listed pad-capacity check and the project ground-bearing check.

Threshold 1

Verified load or bearing area exceeds the regular range

The 1200x1200x60mm Premium pad has a manufacturer-listed capacity of 115T and 1.44 m² bearing area. Assess Heavy Lift when either that pad capacity or the required ground-bearing area is insufficient.

Threshold 2

Soft or made ground at typical project leg loads

Soft or made ground can require bearing area beyond a regular pad or even a single Heavy Lift plate. Use verified ground information and calculate the required area before selecting a product.

Threshold 3

Project lifts with high verified outrigger reactions

Crane model and gross capacity do not establish the pad requirement. Use the maximum design reaction for the exact configuration and duty, then verify pad capacity and ground pressure separately.

Range & Engineering Specification

Six SKUs. Single-piece UHMW-PE. Integrated chain or steel bar handles. All capacities shown are manufacturer-listed for the exact CPS pad. Ground-bearing suitability remains a separate project check.

Plate Thickness Bearing Area Listed Pad Capacity Weight Handles From (ex VAT)
1500 x 1500 100mm 2.25 m² 126 T 118 kg 4x Steel Bar £1,665
2000 x 1000 100mm 2.0 m² 230 T 200 kg 4x Chain £1,249
2000 x 1200 100mm 2.4 m² 241 T 238 kg 4x Chain £1,399
1800 x 1800 100mm 3.24 m² 252 T 320 kg 4x Steel Bar £2,360
2000 x 2000 100mm 4.0 m² 262 T 392 kg 4x Steel Bar £2,765
3000 x 2000 100mm 6.0 m² 315 T 584 kg 4x Steel Bar £3,525

Note on load ratings. The figures shown are manufacturer-listed pad capacities for the exact CPS products. Confirm the verified leg load is within the listed pad capacity and complete the separate ground-bearing check. Ground bearing pressure is a separate calculation. Use the worked example below, or the Pad Size Calculator for an instant recommendation.

Worked Example: Ground Bearing Pressure

For a 250t AT crane on a contract lift at 100T outrigger reaction.

Step 1. Convert outrigger reaction from tonnes to kilonewtons. 1 tonne force = 9.81 kN.

100 T × 9.81 = 981 kN

Step 2. Pick a candidate plate. The 2000x1200mm plate has a 2.4 m² bearing area.

Step 3. Divide load by plate area to get ground pressure in kN/m².

981 kN ÷ 2.4 m² = 409 kN/m²

Step 4. Compare to ground bearing capacity.

Ground Type
Typical GBC
Result
Verified allowable support value
At least 409 kN/m²
Pass if project-verified
CPS concrete/hardstanding screening preset
400 kN/m²
Fail at 409. Increase area or use verified project data.
Firm clay
100 to 150 kN/m²
Fail. Upsize plate.
Soft ground
50 to 75 kN/m²
Fail. Upsize plate.

Step 5 (if upsizing). For firm clay at 150 kN/m², the required area is 981 / 150 = 6.54 m². The 3000x2000mm plate at 6.0 m² is still undersized. A larger engineered spread, ground improvement or a designed modular platform is required. The same applies more strongly below 75 kN/m².

Ground bearing values shown are typical and indicative. Always cross-check with site investigation data or a competent ground engineer before specifying for a lift plan.

Skip the math?

Enter outrigger reaction and ground bearing capacity. Calculator returns the right plate in under 60 seconds.

Material Specification

UHMW-PE engineering grade. Manufactured to consistent compressive performance for repeated heavy load cycles.

Material

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE), engineering grade

Compressive Strength

Up to 35 MPa typical at 23°C

Density

Approx 0.94 g/cm³. Stable across operating temperature range

Compressive Creep

Use within the manufacturer-listed pad capacity and stated loading conditions

Water Absorption

Effectively zero. Performance unchanged on wet sites

Chemical Resistance

Resistant to fuels, oils, hydraulic fluid, common site solvents

Surface Finish

Textured both faces for grip on outrigger float and on prepared surfaces

Operating Temperature

-40°C to +80°C without performance change

Handles

4x integrated lifting points. Chain on rectangular plates, steel bar on square plates and 3000x2000

Service Life

Maintains rated capacity throughout normal service. UV stable in outdoor exposure

Engineered Handles, Integrated

Lifting points are part of the plate construction. No bolt-on brackets, no field-attached fixings, nothing that fails before the plate does.

Heavy Lift plate chain handle through-hole detail

Chain Through-Hole

Chain passes through the plate body. Load is shared by the plate, not by a bolted bracket.

Heavy Lift plate steel bar handle in corner cut-out

Steel Bar Handle

Square plates carry an inset steel bar in the corner cut-out. Sits flush, lifts straight.

Heavy Lift plate corner chain bolt detail

Corner Bolt Detail

Chain anchor sits inside the plate edge. No protruding hardware to snag on transport.

In Use

Heavy Lift plates set under crane outriggers on a contract lift setup.

UHMW-PE Heavy Lift plates positioned under crane outrigger feet on a prepared surface

UHMW-PE Heavy Lift plates positioned under outrigger feet, prepared surface. Plates spread the outrigger reaction across a 2.4 m² bearing area each.

Why UHMW-PE Beats the Alternatives on Project Lifts

Three comparisons, in the language of weight per bearing area and fitness for repeat use.

vs Steel Float Plates

An equivalent bearing area in steel weighs 4 to 6 times the UHMW-PE plate. Two-man lift becomes a crane pick. Edges concentrate point load. Rust on stored stock. UHMW-PE handles forklift-sling, stays inert in storage, distributes load evenly across the full footprint.

vs Timber Bog Mats

Hardwood mats split under repeated heavy load, absorb water on wet sites, and lose rated capacity over service life. UHMW-PE has zero water absorption, no splitting, and rated capacity is consistent on day one and day one thousand.

vs Concrete Slabs

Pre-cast concrete distributes load but is brittle under shock and impossible to relocate by hand. UHMW-PE is portable between lifts, doesn't crack on a dropped landing, and reuses across multiple jobs without spalling.

How Heavy Lift Orders Work

Enquiry-led service. Pricing, availability, and pallet freight confirmed in writing within 24hr of enquiry.

Heavy Lift plate handled by forklift with sling attachment
  • Dedicated account manager on every Heavy Lift enquiry. Same point of contact through quote, order, freight, and delivery.
  • 24hr quote response on enquiries received during working hours. Pricing and confirmed availability sent in writing.
  • Pre-delivery site call for first-time customers. Confirms access, offload method, and delivery slot.
  • Pallet freight quoted per delivery. UK mainland coverage. Multi-plate freight consolidation available.
  • Stock checked on every enquiry. Some plates carry UK stock, others are sourced on confirmed order. Availability and timing confirmed at quote stage.
  • Trade pricing on multi-plate orders. Crane hire fleets, contract lift specialists, plant hire on standing supply.

Request a Heavy Lift Quote

Tell us the plate size, quantity, and delivery postcode. We come back same working day with confirmed pricing and availability.

What we need from you to quote. Plate size and quantity, delivery postcode, project window if known. If you have crane model and outrigger reaction we can sense-check the spec for you.

Same working day response on enquiries received before 5pm. Out-of-hours enquiries answered by 10am next working day. If urgent, call 07752 806706 direct.

Quote request sent.

We'll come back to you same working day with confirmed pricing and availability.

Engineer FAQ

Technical answers for lift planners and procurement.

What does the manufacturer-listed pad capacity mean?

It is the product capacity listed for the exact CPS pad and is used for the structural pad check. Confirm the verified design reaction is within that capacity and follow the specification sheet's loading and positioning conditions. Ground-bearing pressure is a separate calculation using the pad's bearing area.

What is the ground pressure on each SKU at 100T outrigger reaction?

1500x1500: 436 kN/m². 2000x1000: 491 kN/m². 2000x1200: 409 kN/m². 1800x1800: 303 kN/m². 2000x2000: 245 kN/m². 3000x2000: 164 kN/m². Use these figures to match plate to ground bearing capacity. For other reaction loads, the formula is reaction(T) x 9.81 ÷ bearing area(m²). Or run it through the Pad Size Calculator.

Is there compressive creep on repeat loading?

Inspect pads before use and keep every load within the manufacturer-listed capacity and stated loading conditions. Remove a pad from service if it shows permanent deformation, cracking, deep gouging, damaged lifting points or other deterioration that could affect safe use.

Can plates be used as crawler crane track entry ramps?

Not by default. An outrigger-pad capacity does not certify a plate for ramping, spanning or bridging. Any crawler access use requires project-specific assessment of track pressure, support conditions, plate bending and temporary works requirements. A designed modular platform may be more appropriate.

Are documentation packs available for project files?

Each plate has a manufacturer specification sheet showing dimensions, material grade, manufacturer-listed pad capacity, weight, and handle specification. These are supplied with each delivery and available on request before order. We do not issue independent test certificates.

Stock and availability?

We check stock with our supplier on every enquiry. Some plates carry UK stock, others are sourced on confirmed order. Confirmed availability and timing are sent in writing at quote stage. Call 07752 806706 or use the form below to request a current stock check.

Do plates require periodic inspection?

Visual pre-use inspection before each lift. Check for surface damage from dropped loads, contamination affecting handle integrity, and chain or steel bar handle condition. Plates do not require statutory periodic testing in the same way as lifting accessories. We supply an inspection guidance document with first orders.

Storage and transport guidance?

Stack horizontally on a flat surface. Maximum recommended stack height is four plates. Lift via integrated chain or steel bar handles only. Pallet freight on delivery. Forklift handling on site by sling lift or fork extension under the plate body. Avoid edge loading or point loading on stored plates.

Ready to Spec the Lift?

Call us with the crane model and outrigger reaction. We confirm plate size, availability, and pallet freight cost in one conversation.