Heavy Lifting Requires Real Ground Stability
When cranes, boom lifts, and other heavy equipment roll onto a jobsite, the surface beneath them becomes just as critical as the machinery itself. Outriggers concentrate massive force into small points—more pressure than plywood or makeshift pads can ever support.
For years, contractors laid down plywood sheets as a quick way to spread load. But on today’s sites, plywood isn’t just outdated—it’s unsafe. It absorbs moisture, cracks under pressure, and provides almost no structural support under outrigger feet.
Professionals know that safe lifting starts with solid, engineered ground protection. That’s where BAM! HDPE mats outshine every temporary solution.
Why Plywood Fails Under Outriggers
It Crushes Under Concentrated Load
Cranes and boom lifts exert tons of downward pressure on a very small footprint. Plywood simply can’t handle it. It buckles, splits, and crushes—sometimes within minutes of equipment setup.
It Absorbs Moisture
Once plywood gets wet, its structural integrity collapses. It swells, softens, and delaminates, making it even weaker under load. A wet jobsite turns plywood into a hazard.It Compromises Stability
When plywood bends, the outrigger foot sinks or shifts. Even a small movement can throw off level, putting the equipment—and the crew—at serious risk.
It Looks Unprofessional
Warped, muddy plywood doesn’t inspire confidence. Clients notice when heavy equipment sits on scrap wood instead of clean, engineered mats built for the job.
Why HDPE Outrigger Support Is the Professional Standard
Engineered Strength That Won’t Break
BAM! Ground Protection Mats are built from 3/8-inch high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a rigid, high-performance polymer designed to disperse heavy loads safely. With 80-ton capacity, these mats keep cranes and lifts stable—even on soft ground.
Unlike plywood, HDPE mats won’t crack, splinter, or collapse. They maintain their rigidity under pressure, giving operators the stability they need to lift with confidence.
All-Weather Stability
HDPE does not absorb water. It doesn’t swell, rot, or weaken in the rain. Whether the site is muddy, frozen, or soaked, BAM! mats keep their shape and strength—season after season.
Traction That Keeps Equipment Secure
The dual-sided traction pattern grips both the mat surface and the outrigger foot, preventing slipping or shifting during lifts. This provides a level of safety plywood simply cannot match.
Lightweight, Crew-Friendly Handling
Even with their superior strength, BAM! mats weigh just 56 lbs per 4×8 panel. Crews can position them quickly without machinery, saving time at setup and breakdown.
A Clean, Professional Look That Inspires Confidence
The Hi-Vis Safety Green color clearly outlines lifting zones and access paths. Clients see organized, intentional setups—not plywood scraps. Every mat reinforces your professionalism.
Real Jobsite Applications
Crane Lifts
Use BAM! mats to create stable pads for outriggers, preventing sinking and maintaining level.
Boom & Bucket Trucks
Keep utility and service vehicles steady on soft or uneven ground.
Material Delivery & Staging
Support forklifts, telehandlers, and palletized loads without damaging the surface beneath.
Temporary Pads on Turf or Asphalt
Protect delicate surfaces while maintaining full lifting capability.
The ROI That Matters for Heavy Equipment Operators
When plywood fails, the consequences are expensive:
- Damaged driveways or turf
- Lift delays
- Re-leveling and re-staging
- Material waste
- Safety risks
BAM! mats eliminate these problems. They’re reuse-ready for years, easy to clean, and strong enough for any heavy-lift scenario. The long-term savings compared to constantly replacing plywood are enormous—and the professionalism they add to your workflow is priceless.
Lift Safely. Work Professionally. Choose the Mats Built for the Job.
Your lift is only as stable as the ground beneath it. Don’t trust plywood with thousands of pounds of load. Choose the engineered solution that keeps crews safe, clients impressed, and equipment performing at its best.
Explore our outrigger-ready options on the Products page, or get tailored site recommendations through our Contact page.
Lift with confidence. Protect your ground. Present like a pro—because Pro’s choose BAM!
