DICA, the industry-leading provider of high-performance outrigger pads, will display its expansive line of equipment and material support solutions at the 2023 Utility Expo in Louisville, Kentucky at booth N922. New at the show is composite lumber Cribbing Timbers, which are used to support static loads in industrial settings or on job sites. DICA will also showcase FiberTech™ and SafetyTech® Outrigger Pads. DICA’s complete product line of engineered synthetic supporting materials effectively spreads outrigger loads to reduce ground bearing pressures and create stability for equipment in the utility industry.
Static Material Support
DICA’s Cribbing Timbers offer more resilience and durability than wood, even in extreme environments. In many cases, workers are forced to use scrap lumber found around job sites for use as cribbing to elevate and support various materials, supplies, and components for assembly/disassembly or short/long-term storage. Similar-sized scrap pieces are often difficult to find, and wood is easily compromised by the environment and must be replaced more frequently.
As an alternative, DICA’s Cribbing Timbers are made from post-industrial recycled materials that will not absorb water or chemicals, splinter, break, warp, or rot, providing predictable performance to support static loads time after time. They are a longer-lasting, environmentally friendly option for keeping materials and equipment on the ground and separated for easy picking access and airflow.
Equipment Support
FiberTech Outrigger Pads are an ideal equipment support solution when extra rigidity is needed, and weight is a concern. Made from Fiber Reinforce Polymer (FRP) material, crush ratings start at 600 psi, and rated capacities go up to 240,000 lbs. FiberTech Outrigger Pads are non-conductive, waterproof, and chemical resistant. They feature DICA’s patented Hi-Viz TuffGrip® Handles to simplify handling. FiberTech’s 36 in., 42 in., and 48 in., diameter sizes are standard stock products, but other sizes are available upon request. These pads can be used alone or as part of a multi-pad set-up. FiberTech is an economical, high-performance load distribution solution for use with equipment such as mobile cranes, high-reach aerial devices, mobile substations, and more.
SafetyTech Outrigger Pads are a favorite safety tool used by transmission and distribution crews in the utility industry for setting up mobile cranes, concrete pumpers, aerial lifts, and digger derricks. SafetyTech pads deliver superior strength, stiffness, and toughness in a lightweight package. These pads are also waterproof and resistant to degradation caused by UV light, hydraulic fluids, and road chemicals. Patented TuffGrip Handles make SafetyTech pads easy to lift and place.
Popular with utilities are DICA’s Hi-Viz 18”x18” and 24”x24” SafetyTech Outrigger Pads. The high visibility of yellow or orange provides a clear visual reminder to think and act safely, helps to reduce trip hazards, and is a reminder to re-stow pads when the job is done.
These, and other DICA products will be in use at many OEM equipment displays, including Terex, Altec, Dur-A-Lift, Manitowoc, Elliott, Hiab, QMC, Ring Power, Spiradrill, and TIME/Versalift equipment.