Outriggers on mobile cranes in Cheshire are used to keep cranes steady during lifting. They spread the crane’s weight over a larger area so it doesn’t tip or shift when working. Without outriggers, a crane could become unstable and cause serious damage or injury. Most lifting jobs, no matter the size, require outriggers as part of safe setup.
An outrigger is a leg that extends from the sides of a mobile crane and pushes down onto the ground, helping the crane stay level and balanced during the lift. These legs often sit on strong pads or mats to stop them from sinking into the ground. For uneven or soft ground, outriggers are not just helpful, they’re essential.
In places like Cheshire, where lifting is done across construction sites, factories, roadworks, and even tight town spaces, using outriggers makes the difference between a smooth lift and a dangerous one. Many lifting accidents happen not because of the crane itself, but because the outriggers weren’t used properly or were left out completely.
If you’re hiring a crane or managing a lifting job, you need to make sure that outriggers are not just included but are used correctly. This guide will explain everything you need to know about why outriggers matter, how they work, and when they’re most needed. We’ll also show you what can go wrong if they’re not used and how to avoid those problems.
The Real Job Of Outriggers On A Busy Worksite
Outriggers might look like simple metal legs that come out of the side of a crane, but they do a lot more than just sit on the ground. Their real job is to keep the crane stable while it lifts heavy loads. When a crane starts lifting, its weight shifts. Without something to spread that weight out safely, the whole machine can become unbalanced and tip over. That’s where outriggers come in.
On a busy worksite, especially where ground space is tight or the surface is uneven, outriggers are what make lifting possible. They extend out from the base of the crane, and once lowered, they push down hard into the ground. This helps transfer the crane’s weight and the weight of the load across a much wider area. The wider the base, the safer the lift.
Another important thing outriggers on mobile cranes in Cheshire do is stop the crane from leaning. When a crane turns or lifts something off-centre, there’s a risk that one side might take too much weight. This can put stress on the machine and make it unsafe. By spreading the load and keeping the crane level, outriggers reduce this risk and allow the crane to work more smoothly.
Different worksites use different kinds of cranes, but whether it’s a small mobile crane for a residential build or a large crane working on a motorway project, the role of outriggers stays the same. They allow the crane to do its job safely, without shifting or sinking.
Using outriggers also helps protect the surface underneath. Without them, the crane’s wheels or tracks might leave deep marks, damage tarmac, or even break through weak ground. With outriggers and proper mats, the weight is spread out so the surface stays protected.
In short, outriggers are not just an added part of the crane, they are a key reason why mobile cranes can safely lift heavy things in the first place. On busy worksites, they play a vital role in keeping everything balanced, safe, and working as planned.
Outriggers On Mobile Cranes In Cheshire: What Local Sites Must Know
Outriggers on mobile cranes are not just helpful, they are often a legal and practical must for lifting jobs across the region. Whether it’s a city-centre site in Chester or a roadside job near Crewe, the mix of ground types and tight working spaces makes outriggers an essential part of every lift. If you’re working with cranes in this area, there’s a lot you need to know about how outriggers affect the job.
Cheshire has a wide range of lifting environments: uneven farm roads, soft building plots, narrow urban streets, and busy industrial yards. In many of these places, the ground is not ideal for heavy machinery. Outriggers give cranes a way to work safely, even when the surface underneath is soft, sloped, or cracked. Without them, there’s a risk that the crane could lean or fall, especially when lifting over a long distance or at a high angle.
Because of the risks involved, many jobs in Cheshire require strict planning around outrigger use. Local councils may need to approve road closures or pavement use when a crane’s outriggers will spread beyond the site boundary. It’s also common to use special outrigger mats or steel plates under the legs to avoid damaging the ground and to spread the load more evenly.
It’s also worth knowing that most professional crane hire companies in Cheshire will refuse to operate without proper outrigger setup. That’s because safety regulations, like those in the LOLER and PUWER guidelines, make it clear that a lifting job must be stable and planned. A crane without outriggers, or with outriggers not set properly, does not meet these standards.
If you’re managing a lifting project in Cheshire, it’s your responsibility to make sure outrigger space is planned in from the start. That means clearing the area, checking for underground services like drains or cables, and having ground mats ready to support the weight.
Outriggers are not just a feature, they’re part of the method. In places like Cheshire, with mixed site conditions and strict safety rules, having the right outrigger setup can be the difference between a successful job and a serious problem.
What Can Go Wrong If You Don’t Use Outriggers Properly
When outriggers are not used the right way, or worse, not used at all, the risks on site increase quickly. A mobile crane is designed to lift heavy loads, but it relies on balance. If that balance is lost, the crane can become unstable, and that’s when things start to go wrong.
One of the most serious risks is crane tipping. Without outriggers to spread the weight, lifting even a small load can shift the centre of gravity. This can cause the crane to lean or fall. Not only can this damage the crane and whatever is being lifted, but it can also put lives at risk. Even trained teams can be caught off guard if the ground beneath shifts or gives way during a lift.
Another common problem is ground collapse. On soft or uneven ground, a crane’s wheels or tracks might look steady, but when a heavy lift starts, the ground may sink or crack. If outriggers are not used, the full weight of the crane pushes down in one place. This pressure can break tarmac, crush underground pipes, or even cause a sudden drop on one side of the crane.
There’s also the issue of equipment stress. Lifting without proper support can put strain on the crane’s parts. Over time, this can damage the boom, weaken joints, or lead to failures in the hydraulics. These problems aren’t always seen straight away, but they can make the crane unsafe for future jobs.
Many lifting accidents happen not because the crane was faulty, but because proper outrigger use was skipped or rushed. In some cases, the outriggers were only partly extended or weren’t set on stable ground. This small mistake can lead to big consequences.
What’s more, insurance claims can be denied if it’s shown that the correct safety setup wasn’t followed. That means the cost of repairs, damaged goods, and injuries could fall back on the business or site manager.
To avoid these risks, the answer is simple: always use outriggers, and use them properly. Make sure they’re fully extended, firmly placed on solid ground or support mats, and checked before every lift.
Safety Tips And Setup Checks Every Crew Should Follow
Using outriggers on mobile cranes in Cheshire is not just about putting the legs out and starting the lift. For safe lifting, each outrigger must be correctly set up and checked before any load is moved. Here are key safety tips and setup checks that every lifting crew should follow on site.
1. Always Inspect The Ground First
Before the crane even arrives, check the ground where the outriggers will be placed.
- Look for soft soil, uneven surfaces, or hidden drains.
- Avoid placing outriggers near manhole covers or kerbs.
- If the ground is weak or unstable, prepare ground mats or steel plates in advance.
2. Use Proper Outrigger Pads or Mats
Don’t rely on just the outrigger foot pressing into the ground.
- Use pads that are strong, clean, and the right size for the load.
- Mats should be flat and cover a wide enough area to spread the crane’s weight.
- Never use makeshift supports like wood blocks or bricks.
3. Extend Outriggers Fully Unless Specified Otherwise
Each crane has its own guidance on how far the outriggers need to be extended.
- Check the crane’s manual or lift plan.
- Make sure each outrigger is locked in place before lifting.
- Do not lift if one outrigger is not fully supporting the crane.
4. Keep An Eye On Level Indicators
Many cranes come with built-in level tools.
- Check these after outriggers are down and before the lift begins.
- If the crane isn’t level, adjust the outrigger heights until it is.
- Do not ignore a slight tilt—it can lead to problems when the crane turns or reaches out.
5. Inspect During The Lift
Safety checks don’t end once the outriggers are set.
- Watch for ground movement, pad slipping, or signs of sinking during the lift.
- Keep people away from the outrigger zone to avoid injuries.
- Stop the lift if anything doesn’t look right and recheck the setup.
6. Follow The Lift Plan
If your lift plan includes outrigger placement or pad type, stick to it.
- The plan is based on the crane’s limits and site conditions.
- Cutting corners with outrigger setup can put the whole lift at risk.
By following these steps, you make sure the outriggers do what they’re meant to do—keep the crane steady, the crew safe, and the job running smoothly.
Why I Always Recommend Outriggers For Every Lift In Cheshire
From experience, the difference between a safe lift and a risky one often comes down to proper outrigger use. Working across Cheshire, we’ve seen all sorts of lifting conditions, from tight urban jobs to soft rural ground, and one thing stays the same: outriggers are always needed! Whether it’s a light mobile crane or a heavier unit for industrial work, there is no excuse for skipping or rushing this part of the setup.
When you’re managing a lift, your first thought should be: is the crane stable? If the answer isn’t a clear yes, then the job shouldn’t go ahead. That’s why, at North West Lifting Specialists, we never take chances. We always plan our lifts properly, check the ground, bring the right mats, and make sure every outrigger is locked in place before we move anything.
We don’t just offer crane hire. We offer peace of mind. Every lift we do comes with the right support, people, planning, and equipment, because we know how much is on the line. Safety is never a side thought for us. It’s built into every job.
If you’re looking for mobile crane hire in Cheshire and want a team that puts stability and safety first, give us a call. We’ll make sure you get the right crane, with outriggers fully planned and set, and a lift that runs safely from start to finish.
Call North West Lifting Specialists today on 07398 490877 to book your next lift the right way.
