What is an Outrigger?

Outriggers are support structures used to stabilize heavy lifting equipment. These attachments lift the wheels of the crane or vehicle off the ground. This process creates a wider base that helps stabilize the lifting equipment during a lifting operation.

Most outriggers feature four different steel support structures, although some models have more. These structures are retracted during travel, and able to extend for a lift operation. Outriggers are made up of three main components.

  • Beams – A horizontal beam used to extend the outrigger from the crane.
  • Jacks – A vertical hydraulic cylinder used to lift the crane off its tires.
  • Support pads – A pad fixed to the bottom of the jack used to distribute the load of the outrigger.
Outriggers come in both standard and variable models. Variable outriggers are adjustable to give operators more flexibility when it comes to operating around jobsite obstacles and reducing a crane or truck’s overall footprint

.

 

An all terrain crane with outriggers.

Types of Crane Outriggers

  • H-style – Outriggers extend out from the crane and then straight down to the ground.
  • A-frame – Outriggers extend out from a crane at an angle, commonly found on mini crawler cranes.

 

Liebherr All Terrain Crane with outriggers.
buy-or-rent-from-all

Stable Heavy Lifting Solutions Tailored for Your Jobs

When your business needs the right lifting equipment for your job, ALL Crane can help. We have the largest privately-owned crane rental and sales enterprise in North America, which means that you have options when it comes to both cranes with varying footprints and outrigger options. Invest in the best, most cost-effective heavy lifting solution for your jobs today.

Rent Cranes Buy Cranes