Outrigger pads are used for cranes, lifts, fire truck equipment, drill equipment, and more to distribute weight over the ground and improve stability. Common outrigger pad materials include composite, wood, and aluminum. For most applications, composite pads outperform traditional wood and aluminum outrigger pads in terms of longevity, corrosion resistance, and durability. Here, we’ll compare the features of composite pads, wood pads, and aluminum pads to help you choose the right solution for your project.
Composite Pads
Manufacturers produce composite outrigger pads from materials like thermosets and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP). These materials are typically more versatile and corrosion-resistant than other types of outrigger pads. Key benefits of composite pads include:
- Durability: Composite pads last much longer than metal and wood, especially in environments with temperature extremes, chemical exposure, moisture, and wear. Composite outrigger pads do not conduct electricity and are resistant to weakening, warping, or cracking throughout their long service life.
- Corrosion resistance: Composite materials work well in marine and industrial environments because the synthetic material won’t rust or corrode. These pads also prevent metal-on-metal contact and the resulting corrosion and wear.
- Recyclability: Many manufacturers produce composite pads from recycled materials. The pads can also be recycled once again at the end of the product lifecycle.
- Lightweight: Composite materials generally weigh less than metal or wood. A composite outrigger pad can be a quarter of the weight of an aluminum pad and one-seventh the weight of a steel pad.
- Versatility: Manufacturers can create composite pads in virtually any size and shape.
Wood Pads
Made from natural resources, wooden outrigger pads are a popular choice in niche applications. However, they have several drawbacks that make them unsuitable for use with heavy-duty industrial equipment:
- Susceptible to damage: Compared to composite and aluminum, wood doesn’t last as long because it is susceptible to damage from the elements, rot, cracking, decay, and pest infestation. Users will need to replace wood pads more often.
- High maintenance: Because they are more prone to damage, wood pads must be maintained with regular staining, sealing, and cleaning to prolong their service life.
- Environmental impact: Unless manufacturers specifically use sustainable sources of wood, demand for wood pads may contribute to deforestation.
Aluminum Pads
Aluminum pads are also popular for certain applications, but they weigh more than composite and wood pads. Other disadvantages include:
- Conducts heat and cold: Aluminum pads can conduct heat or cold between surfaces, which may be undesirable in certain commercial and industrial settings.
- Can corrode: While aluminum resists many types of damage, it’s not fully corrosion-resistant in some environments.
- Noisy: When struck or otherwise contacted by other objects, aluminum pads can produce more noise than wood or composite pads.
Composite Pads From WS Hampshire
Wood, aluminum, and composite pads are the most common options for many applications, but composite pads outshine wood and aluminum pads in most areas. For over 100 years, WS Hampshire has been a leading manufacturer of custom non-metallic materials for use in critical industrial applications. We produce high-quality composite outrigger pads in standard and custom shapes for use in virtually any work environment.
Our robust Ryertex thermosets and Timco thermoplastics are designed for long-lasting performance in a broad range of tough industrial applications, including steel and aluminum mills, cranes, aerial work platforms, industrial saws, and other equipment. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of our composite outrigger pads or to start your order.