The truck-mounted crane, often abbreviated as truck-mounted crane transporter, is a highly versatile piece of equipment that has seen an increasing prevalence in various industries due to its unique ability to both lift and transport goods. As its usage becomes more widespread, many truck-mounted cranes are now equipped with hydraulic outriggers. These outriggers play a crucial role in ensuring the stability and safety of the crane during operation. The hydraulic outriggers are typically divided into front outriggers and rear outriggers, each with its own distinct functions.
The main function of the front outrigger is well-known. It serves to disperse the gravity of the whole vehicle and thereby increase the carrying capacity. However, the function of the rear hydraulic outrigger remains somewhat of a mystery to many. A common misconception is that the rear hydraulic outrigger is useless. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Today, let’s delve deeper into understanding the use of the rear hydraulic outrigger of the truck-mounted crane.
Let’s begin by discussing the installation position of the hydraulic rear outrigger. The rear outrigger is generally installed on the rear axle and rear wheel chassis of the truck-mounted crane. Currently, the rear outrigger is mostly H-shaped. This design provides a stable and reliable support structure.
The most important function of the rear outrigger is to provide rear support for the entire vehicle. During the operation of the crane, a significant portion of the load is exerted on the vehicle. Without proper support, this load can cause instability and pose a serious risk to the safety of the operation. By transferring a part of the load to the outrigger, the rear outrigger helps to ensure the bottom support strength of the vehicle. This not only enhances stability but also reduces the risk of accidents caused by tire compression or instability.
For example, imagine a truck-mounted crane lifting a heavy load. Without the rear outrigger, the weight of the load could cause the rear tires to compress, reducing the ground clearance and potentially leading to instability. With the rear outrigger in place, the load is distributed more evenly, reducing the stress on the tires and providing a stable base for the crane to operate.
Types of rear hydraulic outriggers: At present, there are several types of rear outriggers available on the market. The more common ones include the fixed type, single-chamber hydraulic type, and double-chamber hydraulic type.
The fixed rear outrigger can be lifted and lowered vertically. This type of outrigger provides basic support and assistance during lifting operations. It is simple in design and relatively easy to operate. However, its support capabilities are limited compared to the hydraulic types.
The single-chamber hydraulic outrigger offers more functionality. It can be extended left and right, and in some cases, it can be extended to exceed the size of the cargo box. This allows for a wider range of support and better stability. With left and right extension and vertical extension capabilities, the single-chamber hydraulic outrigger provides enhanced support compared to the fixed type.
The double-chamber hydraulic type is the most advanced of the three. It includes left and right extension and vertical lifting functions. The extension width is larger than that of the single-chamber type, providing even stronger support. This type of outrigger is ideal for heavy-duty lifting operations or in situations where maximum stability is required.
Generally, cranes of big brands are equipped with original rear outriggers. The quality of original products is often superior, ensuring reliable performance and durability. When choosing a rear outrigger, it is important to consider the tonnage of the crane. The rear outrigger should be able to handle the weight and load requirements of the crane to ensure safe operation.
The places where the rear outrigger is generally applied are diverse. For instance, it is essential in uneven or relatively soft ground at the lifting site. In such conditions, the ground may not be able to provide sufficient support on its own. The rear outrigger helps to distribute the load and prevent the vehicle from sinking or tipping over.
When the crane needs to rotate at the maximum working radius during the lifting process, the rear outrigger provides additional stability. The increased reach and rotation can put significant stress on the vehicle, and the rear outrigger helps to counteract this stress.
If the lifted item is close to the maximum lifting quality of the crane, the rear outrigger becomes crucial. It helps to ensure that the vehicle can handle the heavy load without compromising stability.
In other special scene operations, such as in confined spaces or on sloped terrain, the rear outrigger can make the difference between a safe and successful operation and a potentially dangerous situation.
The decision of whether to install the rear outrigger or not depends on several factors. These include the operation site, vehicle size, and the nature of the lifting tasks. For example, if the crane is frequently used in uneven or soft ground conditions, or if it is required to handle heavy loads at maximum working radii, installing a rear outrigger is highly recommended. On the other hand, if the crane is mainly used in stable environments and for lighter loads, the need for a rear outrigger may be less significant.
In conclusion, the rear outrigger of the truck-mounted crane plays a vital role in ensuring the stability and safety of the crane during operation. Understanding its functions and types can help operators make informed decisions when choosing and using truck-mounted cranes. Whether it’s a fixed type, single-chamber hydraulic type, or double-chamber hydraulic type, the rear outrigger can provide the necessary support in various lifting scenarios. By considering factors such as the operation site and vehicle size, operators can determine whether to install a rear outrigger and select the most suitable type for their specific needs.
