Specialist

Challenge

Weightru is a supplier of vehicle weighing scales, including weigh bridges, dynamic axel weighers and portable weigh pads. However it was the latter with which Weighru had a problem: certain weighing
applications require multiple contact points yet not all of these contact points need to be weighable.
This requirement had so far been fulfilled using actual weigh pads but this was proving costly.

Solution

Weightru sought the assistance of Outriggerpads to develop a bespoke product that would act as a ‘dummy’ non-weighing pad, to be used under wheels of the vehicle where actual weigh pads aren’t required. The design of this new ‘dummy’ pad would be modelled on the existing weigh pads, maintaining the same dimensions, bevelled top edges and overall look.

Outcome

After placing an initial protype order, the design was adjusted further – with a rubber layer being added to the base of the pad to provide additional traction and the colour changed to match that of the actual weigh pads. Weightru took delivery of the final product in April 2020. In 2021 they will be working with Outriggerpads again to develop dummy weigh pads to match the other sizes in their portable weigh pad range.

Challenge

The Kobus Pipe Puller can minimise the potential risk of damaging utilities during service pipe replacement. Simply, pipe pulling for service pipe replacement is an innovative trenchless technology.  The technique removes old water or gas service pipe from the ground by pulling it with a hydraulic winch and a special steel pulling cable.  At the same time, a new PE pipe is towed into place along the same bore path created by the extracted old pipe.

Solution

The application is somewhat different to your normal outrigger type pads which would lie flat on the ground with the load sitting on the pads.  In this case, the pads are positioned vertically in an excavation, and the front plate of our machine (hydraulic winch) stands against the pads.  The winch pulls using the vertical wall of the excavation as resistance, so the forces (up to circa 10t) are horizontal against the vertical pads.

Outcome

Outriggerpads in collaboration with Kobus designed and produced a 2-part pad system to accompany the unique pipe puller winch.

 

 

 

CHALLENGE

Notus Contract Lifting provides an end-to-end lifting solution to its clients, including identifying and procuring the best lifting equipment for the job; as well planning and supervising all lifts. It is part of the global Notus Heavy Lifting group.

Site safety is a priority for Notus.  The company therefore wanted a crane mat solution that was flexible and lightweight, so that its Lift Supervisors could transport the pads in their vans to each job site – and easily manoeuvre them into place.

Because of the varied work which Notus Contract Lifting undertakes, it required pads which could be uses with a broad range of cranes, including mobile and spider cranes.

SOLUTION

Outriggerpads provided Notus with its 1500mm original Multi Mat kits (part number IP-59761). Made from high performance Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE), the pads are resistant to water and chemicals, so won’t rot or rust like traditional wooden and steel alternatives.

As a modular system, it gives Notus the flexibility to manoeuvre and configure the mats for various load-bearing capabilities. The mats are light enough for manual handling and will fit comfortably in a van or light commercial vehicle.

OUTCOME

The three different configurations provided by the Multi Mat system ensure that Notus Contract Lifting can use the crane pads with a range of mobile cranes. The portable and lightweight characteristics of the Multi-Mats allows Notus to transport them in its vans and to quickly and easily set up on site, helping to improve productivity as well as safety.

CHALLENGE

Medical Technology Engineering Solutions Ltd (MTES) is a leading independent provider of mobile medical trailers and outside broadcast units.

Its mobile CT scanners are used by smaller hospitals or clinics which only have occasional need of this equipment. CT scans enable doctors to see inside a patient’s body, by using a combination of X-rays and computer imagery to create a detailed 3D picture of organs and bones. MTES houses this medical equipment in large trailers, which use jacking legs for stability.

MTES’s client wanted to enhance the stability of the trailer when its jack legs were deployed, in order to minimise the potential for small, natural vibrations which can impact the performance of highly sensitive scanners.

SOLUTION

MTES contacted Outriggerpads, a leading specialist in spreader plates and stabiliser pads. The experts at Outriggerpads recommended its new range of ECOSTAK stackable jacking blocks. Each 300mm square block has a lightweight rope handle for easy and safe manual handling. There is a 30mm thick base block, complemented by 80mm and 140mm jacking blocks, enabling the user to quickly and easily configure a stack to the required height. Also included is a 250mm square, 10mm thick insert used to level off the stack once built.

OUTCOME

MTES benefits from a cost-effective, flexible and easily transportable stability solution. Manufactured from high quality, heavy duty high molecular weight polyethylene (HMW-PE), the ECOSTAK jacking blocks are also resistant to water, corrosion and splintering, providing a long working life and a strong return on investment.

Challenge

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) operates Halley VI, the first fully re-locatable research station in the world. The state-of-the-art facility is segmented into eight modules raised on hydraulic legs. These legs can be individually raised to overcome the accumulation of snow, preventing the station from being buried. The legs are all fitted with giant skis, so the team can tow each module using a bulldozer, enabling Halley VI to be relocated as required. Snow levels rise by over 1 metre every year and the sun does not rise above the horizon for 105 days during winter. Temperatures drop to -56C and the site can be buffeted by winds in excess of 100 mph. BAS required spreader plates to support each leg of Halley VI, to help prevent the station from sinking into the snow.

Solution

Outriggerpads rose to the challenge of supporting Halley VI by creating a bespoke spreader plate, specifically designed for the research station. Manufactured from UHMW polyethylene, the material does not splinter and has a very high resistance to vertical pressure, meaning the pads adapt to the contours of uneven terrain while still retaining their shape. The material is also completely waterproof which significantly extends the products’ working lives compared to spreader plates made of wood or metal.

Outcome

The 1200mm x1000mm x40mm pads weigh only 46kg each, making them easy to manually position, yet have a 30,000kg load-bearing capacity. Each one is stamped with a unique ID number, making them easy to reference and locate for the BAS team. The light weight also makes them easy to transport whenever Halley VI is relocated.