Dica debuts new products at ConExpo

Urbandale, Iowa, USA-based outrigger pad manufacturer Dica is launching new products at the ConExpo trade show in Las Vegas, USA. These include a new engineered steel and composite crane pad, and composite cribbing timbers. Dica will also debut SlatTrax temporary roadways to the construction market, which the company acquired in late 2022.

The steel and composite crane pad is called the EcoMax. Dica says it made it in response to industry demand for durable and engineered equipment stabilisation at a lower price point.

EcoMax crane pads combine alternating solid composite ‘timbers’ and steel I-beams connected with through-bolts for maximum load distribution. Dica’s patented EcoMax has similar stiffness, strength, and performance properties as its FiberMax Crane Pads or steel pads but is less expensive than either of those options, the company outlines.

EcoMax is suitable for distributing concentrated loads from equipment with outriggers, such as mobile cranes, concrete pump trucks, and self-erecting tower cranes. EcoMax is heavier than FiberMax Crane Pads it is lighter than solid steel mats, explains Dica.

EcoMax Crane Pads are available in four sizes ranging from 20 to 40 square feet with maximum rated capacities of 175,000 lbs to 325,000 lbs, respectively.

Dica’s second new product is composite lumber cribbing timber designed to support static loads. The cribbing timber is made from post-industrial recycled materials. Dica says the cribbing timbers will not splinter, break, or warp and that they offer more resilience and durability than wood, even in extreme environments.

The third new product making its ConExpo debut is SlatTrax – an engineered temporary roadway designed to help contractors reduce crew size and crew fatigue while helping to protect the ground, gain site access and prevent ruts. Made of HDPE recycled plastic, SlatTrax is lightweight, durable, and fast to deploy, says Dica. For use with compact and medium-duty equipment weighing up to 40 tons, SlatTrax is designed to minimise damage to grass, sand, field turf, or paved areas where equipment or personnel must travel.

DICA acquired SlatTrax in late 2022.  “SlatTrax is a natural expansion of the Dica brand,” said Kris Koberg, CEO of Dica. “It is ideal for construction or anywhere ground protection, site access, or staging areas are needed. It provides a unique labour-saving and fast deployment solution for equipment setup that improves working conditions, safety, and productivity.”