Choosing The Right Hydraulic Outrigger Stabilizer For Custom Applications
This article describes the various types of hydraulic outrigger stabilizers, how they are used, and the steps an OEM buyer needs to follow to select the right stabilizer for their particular custom application.
- (1888PressRelease) March 26, 2014 - The article will be of interest to OEMS who want to buy stabilizers 'off the shelf' rather than manufacture their own. BIGMAX products are used by OEMs who build heavy duty equipment such as rock crushers; as well as by companies who design, build and sell service cranes and medium duty equipment such as mobile sign trucks.
The article will also be useful for fleet managers who are either looking for stabilizers for new mobile equipment or are upgrading stabilizers to meet more stringent stability requirements and standards.
WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO FIND THE RIGHT OUTRIGGER STABILIZER?
Many of our customers tell us that they were relieved to find us. Why?
Few companies sell stabilizers for custom applications. While buyers of large industrial equipment (i.e. hydraulic cranes) can often purchase stabilizers as an option, it is more challenging to buy stabilizers for customized equipment. Most manufacturers only produce stabilizers for their own equipment.
Often, technical information required by the buyer is confusing and difficult to understand. Stabilizers come in many different types and styles (i.e. manual or hydraulic, extendable or fixed cross beam, tilt up or fixed legs etc.). The buyer may find it difficult to select amongst these various features and options.
Most buyers (and even some sellers) lack the engineering expertise required to select the right size of stabilizer for the specific application. The choice depends on a variety of factors including the weight of the vehicle, terrain, beam mounting height and so on. In many cases, the buyer requires technical assistance to select the right stabilizer for their specific application.
STYLE OF OUTRIGGER STABILIZER
There are essentially seven different types or styles and many different sizes of outrigger stabilizers. Some outriggers have a full beam that extends on both sides; others extend only on one side. You can even buy stabilizer legs with no beams.
The style you choose will depend on the equipment you need to stabilize and the terrain where the equipment will be used.
BIGMAX outrigger stabilizers can be used as the main stabilizer on trucks with cranes or other specialty equipment. BIGMAX stabilizers can also be used as auxiliary stabilizers to supplement the main stabilizers if the vehicle does not meet stability requirements.
Here is a brief description of the most common types of outrigger stabilizers.
Type E: Cross Beam with Two Side Extensions
This is the most common outrigger used in conjunction with cranes, aerial devices, boom trucks and digger derricks. A conventional cross beam stabilizer has two side extensions and two hydraulic legs. This type of outrigger stabilizer comes with fixed, tilt up or adjustable legs and manual or pilot-operated lock valves.
Type E outriggers can be used as main or auxiliary stabilizers and can be mounted above or below the vehicle frame.
TYPE B: Cross Beam with 1 Extension
This type of outrigger has a cross beam with only one side extension. While it can be used with any side mounted equipment, it is often used in conjunction with service bodies to stabilize corner mounted cranes.
Type B outrigger stabilizers are available in three sizes with load ratings 5,285 to 14,050 lbs. Type B models come with a manual or hydraulic extension and an adjustable, non-adjustable or tilt up leg.
TYPE F: Cross Beam/2 Fixed Legs
This is a simple and strong outrigger with a fixed crossbeam, two fixed legs and no lateral extensions. This outrigger is suitable for use as an auxiliary stabilizer with cranes from 2 to 31 t/m. Type F outriggers are also suitable for use with scissor lifts and similar equipment.
Type F outrigger stabilizers are most effective when equipment is centre mounted on a vehicle that is stable without lateral extensions
TYPE H: Half Stabilizer
This outrigger has a cross beam with one side extension and one hydraulic leg. It provides an economical solution for stabilizing side-mounted equipment including small cranes ranging in size from 2 to 4 t/m. Type H outriggers are typically used on truck chassis under 19,500 GVW.
This outrigger comes in two styles - with a fixed leg for cranes under 3 t/m and with vertically adjustable leg for cranes up to 4 t/m.
TYPE C-X: Stabilizer Leg Only
This single outrigger leg (no cross beam) has an adjustable mounting flange and pilot-operated lock valve. It is available in seven sizes to be used with cranes ranging in size from 2 to 120 t/m.
Type C-X stabilizers are of particular interest to OEMs as they are most commonly used when stabilizer legs are attached to a custom designed base such as on post drivers, trailers, or ditchers. This type of stabilizer can also be used as a landing leg.
Type C-X stabilizers can also be mounted to the front bumper as a 'fifth' outrigger stabilizer, most commonly on boom trucks to provide additional stability. By supporting the front of the vehicle, the stabilizer prevents the boom truck from 'pivoting' on main outriggers making it possible to lift safely over the front of the cab. This type of installation may require a front frame extension and custom brackets to suit the make and model vehicle to which it is applied.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE OF OUTRIGGER STABILIZER
Stabilizers come in a wide range of capacities or maximum load ratings. Maximum load ratings are determined by:
1) Cylinder diameter,
2) Cylinder length, and
3) Strength of any structural components (such as the beam).
The selection of the primary (main) or auxiliary stabilizer is based on the dynamic moment of the object being supported (i.e. the crane) and the force it will apply against the stabilizer cylinder.
To assist in the selection of an outrigger, a maximum load chart for each series of BIGMAX outrigger is provided below.
It is important to note, the selection of a stabilizer with an adequate maximum loading is NOT an indication that the vehicle with crane or other equipment is stable according to local norms and standards.
To determine the overall stability of the vehicle, a separate, more complex computerized calculation, one that takes into consideration the GVW of the vehicle, wheelbase, axle loading and body weight is required. The buyer must work with the stabilizer supplier, or an equipment engineer trained in this field to conduct accurate stability tests.
CONCLUSION
It is challenging but not impossible to find the right high quality, well design stabilizers for your OEM or fleet application. For further information about BIGMAX outrigger stabilizers contact Technocrane at 1-877-531-8644 (ext. 1 or 3) or visit our website at www.craneoutriggers.com .
Article written by:
Todd Slobogean, CEO
Technocrane Inc.
604-883-9884
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