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Cement pump trucks need to extend their outriggers (Outriggers) during construction to maintain the stability of the vehicle, and "Outrigger Pads" play a vital role in this process. Proper use of Outrigger Pads can not only effectively disperse pressure and prevent ground subsidence or uneven force, but also improve the overall safety of the pump truck and prevent accidents such as rollovers. The following are the key points to correctly support cement pump trucks:

1. Choose the right Outrigger Pads

It is crucial to use the right outrigger pads, which should be selected based on the weight of the pump truck, the contact area of the outriggers, and the ground bearing capacity:

Material: UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) pads are more wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant than traditional wood or metal plates, and are lightweight and have strong impact resistance.

Size: Make sure the pad area is sufficient to disperse the load pressure to reduce the impact of the ground on the outriggers.

Thickness: Large cement pump trucks should use thicker outrigger pads to withstand greater pressure.

2. Evaluate the ground conditions

Before laying Outrigger Pads, you must carefully check the ground conditions:

Soft ground (such as mud, sand, loose soil): You need to use larger and thicker pads to expand the force-bearing area.

Slope or uneven ground: Try to choose a flat area and adjust the ground or use a horizontal pad to reduce the tilt if necessary.

Hard ground (such as cement, asphalt): Usually the legs can be directly in contact, but pads are still required to prevent high-pressure points from causing ground damage or slippage.

3. Properly place Outrigger Pads

Make sure the pad is completely in contact with the ground and avoid hanging or tilting.

Place the force-bearing point of the leg in the center of the pad to ensure that the pressure is evenly distributed.

If the ground is uneven, you can stack multiple pads, but you must ensure that they are firmly fixed and do not slide.

4. Properly extend the legs

Follow the leg extension sequence provided by the pump truck manufacturer to avoid uneven force on the vehicle.

When extending the outriggers, they should be extended slowly and evenly. Do not extend them quickly at one time to prevent the vehicle from losing balance.

Use a level to check the levelness of the pump truck and ensure that the body is stable before starting the pumping operation.

5. Regular inspection during construction

During construction, regularly check the stability of the outriggers and pads, especially on soft ground. If settlement or tilt is found, adjust them immediately.

In rainy days or long-term construction, the outriggers may gradually sink and need to be readjusted in time.

6. Storage after the operation is completed

Before retracting the outriggers, unload the pressure of the pump truck to ensure balanced force.

Retract the outriggers in the correct order to prevent the pump truck from tilting due to uneven force.

Clean and check the condition of the Outrigger Pads to avoid damage or deformation during the next use.

Conclusion

The correct use of Outrigger Pads to support cement pump trucks can not only improve construction safety, but also effectively extend the service life of the equipment and reduce the occurrence of accidents. By selecting appropriate outrigger pads, assessing ground conditions, correctly extending the outriggers, and conducting regular inspections, you can ensure that the pump truck can operate stably in various environments and improve construction efficiency and safety.