Iowa, USA-based outrigger pads, cribbing and blocking, and ground protection and site access products specialist Dica, has launched a new crane pad: the EcoMax.
According to Dica the EcoMax pads leverage the stiffness and strength of steel with the durability and lower cost of recycled composite materials resulting in maximised load distribution.
“EcoMax offers the durability to outlast timber, the strength of steel, and the cost savings of composite,” said Kris Koberg, CEO of Dica. “For utility professionals and contractors, it’s a smarter way to get the performance you need without compromising safety or value.”
The flanges of the I-beams engage the specially designed and moulded composite timbers to create a single, rigid body that moves uniformly, unlike traditional wood mats held together with through-bolts. A built-in centre plate creates a designated operating area that guides outrigger float placement, reducing setup time and improving safety on the job site.
The product features two distinct rating scenarios. The first is the standard rated capacity, which applies when the pad is fully supported. The second, known as the ‘Bridge Rating’, applies in conditions where the ends of the pad are supported but there is a gap beneath the centre. This gives contractors flexibility to use EcoMax safely even in uneven ground conditions commonly encountered in utility construction. Additional features include built-in lifting lugs for safe handling of individual pads or full stacks with standard synthetic rope or chain slings, as well as steel components finished with a non-slip coating to improve friction and handling safety. The current EcoMax model is 24 sq. ft. and rated for a maximum capacity of 160,000 lbs. (80 tons), making it suitable for cranes up to the 150-ton lifting class.
