How to choose the correct Lodax outrigger pad?
Follow this step-by-step guide to find out which outrigger pad is best for your use.
1. Determine the load capacity
The maximum load capacity on one stabilizer foot should be communicated by the machine manufacturer or the machine reseller. You can find this information on the technical data sheet of the machines. If not, provide us the machine data and we will help you with choosing the right outrigger pad. If we don’t have any information, we usually take 80% of the overall max. load capacity of the machine. This is large enough to be safe.
2. Choose the right outrigger pad
Our product pages on the website inform you about the maximum load capacity of each pad. These load capacities are mainly calculated for construction equipment/machines like mobile cranes, aerial platforms, concrete pumps, etc.
3. Check the pressure
Check if the pressure coming from the stabilizer foot on the pad can be carried by the material of the outrigger pad. LODAX material can handle a pressure of 8N/mm² on a long period of time and up to 25N/ mm² on a short period of time (10N = +/-1kg).
Example:
A stabiliser foot ø 200mm should not have a load higher than 25T (100x100mm x ∏ x 8N/mm² = 251 328N = ~25 000kg).
4. Check the ground
After knowing the maximum load capacity on one stabilizer foot, the material and the dimensions of the outrigger pad, see if your ground or foundation can handle this pressure by consulting the table below. The machine user has the obligation to make an examination of the ground bearing capacity before setting up the machine.
Example:
A Lodax pad 800x800x40mm with a load of 15T would react as 0,023kg/mm² so ~0,23N/mm² so 23N/cm² (15 000kg / 800x800mm). This outrigger pad should be used on a minimum ground density of “Medium-hard clay soil” or “Rough sand” as seen on the table.
Table with indicative load capacities for each type of soil
| Type of foundation | Maximum allowed burden |
|---|---|
| Fine sand (< 1mm) | 0,5 – 2 daN/cm² = 0.05 – 0.2 N/mm² |
| Rough sand (1-3mm) | 2 – 3 daN/cm² = 0.2 – 0.3 N/mm² |
| Gravel | 3 – 4 daN/cm² = 0.3 – 0.4 N/mm² |
| Soft clay soil | 0,4 – 0,8 daN/cm² = 0.04 – 0.08 N/mm² |
| Medium-hard clay soil | 1,5 – 3 daN/cm² = 0.15 – 0.3 N/mm² |
| Hard clay soil | 3 – 4 daN/cm² = 0.3 – 0.4 N/mm² |
| Rock formation | 10 – 30 daN/cm² = 1 – 3 N/mm² |
5. Consider the thickness
Lodax material is flexible, meaning it can bend at the edges under high pressure. However, this bending causes the corner areas of the pad to lose contact with the ground, reducing the surface area where weight is distributed. To prevent bending and increase the pad's effectiveness, it's recommended to choose a thicker pad. If you have any doubts, please don't hesitate to contact us.
