How should outriggers be deployed and leveled?

• A. Extend partially and rely on ballast
• B. Do not use pads or cribbing
• C. Only use for transport
• D. Extend fully, place on solid pads or cribbing, level the crane, and re-check the level with a level gauge

Answer: (D)

Stability hinges on creating a solid, level base. Outriggers must be extended to full reach and set on solid pads or cribbing to spread the load and protect the ground from sinking or shifting. Once in place, the crane should be leveled using the hydraulic rams, and you should re-check the level with a level gauge to confirm it’s truly level before starting a lift. This ensures the crane’s center of gravity remains within the base during the lift, reducing tipping risk. Extending partially or relying on ballast does not give a stable footprint, and outriggers are for stabilization during lifting, not just for transport or skip-pad use.