When Should You Use Backhoe Outrigger Pads?

When operating heavy equipment, backhoe outrigger pads are essential if you want to ensure the ground below won’t give way below stabilizers and the equipment won’t tip over.

Whether you’re using equipment you own or a rental backhoe, tractor, skid steer, loader, boom truck or crane which utilizes outriggers, employing backhoe outrigger pads ensures safety, stability, and a successful setting for your project.

Greatmats offers the best ground protection and outrigger pads and mats for sale anywhere, with the following 5 being among the most popular:

1. 4x4 feet Outrigger Pad - 2 inches thick
2. 4x4 feet Outrigger Pad - 1 inch thick
3. Outrigger Pad 3 x 3 Ft x 1 Inch
4. Outrigger Pad 30 x 30 x 1 Inch
5. Outrigger Pad 15 x 15 Inch x 3/8 Inch

Since the natural ground can only endure so much weight and pressure before it shifts or collapses. These backhoe outrigger pads extend your equipment’s footprint and displace pressure from the equipment through the pad to the ground.

Knowing which size and thickness of backhoe outrigger pads to select depends on the maximum weight capacity of the pad in relation to the weight of your equipment. It’s also important to consider the appropriate mat size for outrigger loads. To determine the pad area needed, simply take the maximum outrigger load and divide it by the allowable ground bearing pressure.

A standard to go by is to select backhoe outrigger pads that are at least three times the square surface area of the float, shoe, or other stabilizing attachment, but a larger footprint is needed when working on rough soil or poor surface conditions.

4x4 feet Outrigger Pad - 2 inches thick are high load capacity pads that won't splinter, warp, or bend when used correctly. They have a vertical load bearing capacity of up to 135,000 pounds and 45 degree angle load capacity of 55,000 pounds.

The pads feature a safety textured surface for superior grip and stability. Made from a highly durable, proprietary engineered thermoplastic material, they not only provide unmatched support and stability, but they are also non-conductive, non magnetic, and resistant to water, oil, chemicals, and temperature.

These outrigger pads feature safety orange handles for optimum use and clear visibility. These also deliver protection for the operator - preventing hand injuries.

If the backhoe outrigger pads bend, they will return to their original state, and they are essentially indestructible if used correctly.

This specific outrigger pad is priced around $1,500 and comes with a 1 year warranty. It weighs in at 160 pounds and delivers 16 square feet of coverage.



There is also the 4x4 feet Outrigger Pad - 1 inch thick option, which is virtually the same product in a 1-inch thinner offering. It has a vertical load bearing capacity of up to 135,000 pounds, but the 45 degree angle load capacity is 52,000 pounds instead of 55,000 pounds.

It’s priced at about $785 and weighs in at 80 pounds while providing 16 square feet of coverage.



The Outrigger Pad 3 x 3 Ft x 1 Inch product is not small, but it is just a bit smaller than the 4 x 4 foot option. It offers all of the benefits and features as the previously outlined outrigger pads like safety textured surface tread, no delamination, ergonomic safety orange thermoplastic handles, and recovery memory.

This size has a vertical load bearing capacity of up 93,000 pounds and a 45 degree angle load capacity of 43,000 pounds. It’s priced at just under $520 and weighs 45 pounds. It offers 9 square feet of coverage.



Outrigger Pad 30 x 30 x 1 Inch delivers the same benefits and features as the previously highlighted pads, as well. These ones have a vertical load bearing capacity of 81,000 pounds and a 45 degree angle load capacity of 41,000 pounds.

This version is priced at about $336.0 and weighs 31 pounds. It delivers 6.25 square feet of coverage.



Finally, the Outrigger Pad 15 x 15 Inch x 3/8 Inch mini option, with all of the same features and benefits as its big brothers, has a vertical load bearing capacity of 45,000 pounds and a 45 degree angle load capacity of 20,000 pounds.

This final pad is priced at about $115. It weighs 5.5 pounds and offers just over 1.5 square feet of coverage.

Greatmats - For The Best Backhoe & Other Outrigger Pads Available!

Greatmats is your one stop shop for all different sizes and thicknesses of outrigger pads and ground protection mats for not only backhoe equipment, but for all heavy equipment from a boom truck to a tractor, crane, and more.

The outrigger pads featured here are among the best available anywhere, and if you need help deciding which ones are the correct size for your backhoe, project, and site, just reach out to the Greatmats’ team who is ready to help. Together, you can decide which of the products would offer the best solutions for you.