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No matter what type of industrial equipment is being used by a work crew, there are always safety measures necessary when it is being operated. For some vehicles, such as cherry pickers and other trucks that need to support off-balanced loads, outriggers are an important safety features and designed to protect both the vehicle and work crew. Definition Outriggers are the spare legs on many industrial vehicles, essential for balance when working out in the field. The development of these components grew out of a need to provide more stability under certain working conditions. When working on or off-road performing jobs with the potential for a vehicle tipping or flipping over, these spare legs can be lifesavers; however, if used incorrectly they are of no value and unfortunately the failure of outriggers could occur. Types There are two kinds of outriggers found on trucks and a vehicle's limitations are dictated by which type is used: single or multi-positional. Single-positional models are found mainly on older units and the more safe and reliable multi-positional versions are on newer models. As indicated by the name, the single-position variety have only a fully extended setting, which is really not enough to safely maneuver and park these trucks in the various work settings needed as opposed to the multi-positional which offers such versatility. Flexibility With a need for more flexibility to support vehicles in smaller spaces, manual attempts to adjust the outriggers to make them work is done by operators and can lead to accidents. This practice is unacceptable and dangerous, which is why many manufacturers have responded and offer newer vehicle versions equipped with adjustable supports for setting up in closer quarters. The newer style of outriggers are designed to handle specific loads and are rated for certain specifications at each of the various adjustments. New Designs Most bucket trucks are designed with multi-positional supports to accommodate the needs of work crews. There are now two types of multi-positional outriggers as well: symmetrical and the most recently developed non-symmetrical. Even though the non-symmetrical outriggers are definitely more flexible and precise as controlled by a computer, they are only available on specific, heavy-duty, rough terrain cranes and not yet available for utility truck bodies. For cherry pickers and other light industrial vehicles, the newer, multi-positional devices have allowed for an increased safety and opened the door for more innovations. Besides being able to set supports partially extended, the use of reinforcing plates or doublers have essentially doubled the footprints of the supports of outriggers, making them even more capable of avoiding a flip-over accident. Proper Use The most important thing to know is that regardless of the types of outriggers on a vehicle, correct usage depends upon design and any limitations. Newer, multi-positional supports are more flexible to use than the original type; however, if used incorrectly the possibility of a serious accident continues to remain. All outriggers are rated for a specific application and with certain limitations; if such uses and limitations are not acknowledged, it is almost like not having such capability in the first place. The most important thing that should be understood with the use of this and other components is the importance of usage as it was designed. If workers are not familiar with load limitations and other variables, there is a tendency to become overconfident which can lead to costly errors. Crews should receive necessary training on the proper use of this vehicle, including outriggers, which can generally be done through most truck and machinery dealers across the country. Then it will indeed be possible to avoid the failure of outriggers and any potential costly accidents! Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in the auctioning of industrial equipment. To find out more about a Cherry Picker Sale, go to the main website at: http://www.jjkane.com/home.
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