Calculators & Technical Guides
Practical tools and written guidance for crane operators, lift planners and plant hire. Screen a pad size, check ground pressure or explore the guidance for your job.
Enter the maximum outrigger reaction and an assessed allowable bearing pressure. Compare screened candidate pads, then check their exact specifications and site requirements.
Compare a pad’s average ground pressure with your entered bearing limit. See the ground-pressure result and the separate pad-rating check before taking the next step.
Before you calculate
01 · Maximum reaction
Use the relevant outrigger reaction for the planned configuration, from machine information or the lift plan.
02 · Assessed ground
Use the allowable bearing pressure for the actual support position. A surface name is not a verified capacity.
03 · Exact pad data
Check the product specification, foot size and manufacturer’s support and use conditions.
The 80% utilisation screen uses 25% more area than the raw calculation. It is an early screen, not lift approval. How to use the calculators · Ask CPS for guidance
A practical guide to reaction loads, assessed ground inputs, bearing-area calculations and the next steps before ordering. Includes corrected worked examples and calculator guidance.
Prepare the information needed for a modular enquiry: reaction, footprint, ground assessment, layout and handling. Exact configurations and capacities require manufacturer confirmation.
What ground bearing pressure means in practice. How to calculate it, what affects it and why it matters for every lift.
Read Guide →Step by step method for working out the minimum pad area you need based on outrigger load and ground conditions.
Read Guide →What the British Standard requires for ground conditions and outrigger support during crane operations.
Read Guide →Sizing guidance for lorry loader and HIAB outrigger pads. Covers typical loads, foot sizes and recommended pads.
Read Guide →Why UHMW-PE polymer is replacing timber for outrigger pads. Weight, durability, load performance and total cost of ownership compared.
Read Guide →When to use square outrigger pads versus round. Covers footprint, load distribution and practical site considerations.
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