1. The load charts should still be used by operators to double check the electronics.
Yes. I agree. Look at the chart. But, in my opinion only because the electronics are non-existent or lame. I have not examined one of these charts closely, but as I recall they list load allowed at boom angle and extension.
But, the operator may not have an accurate weight. If it is provided, it might not be correct. The load may not include the block or ball. Or jib if its laid back against the boom. The tipping moment is also controlled by the amount of cable paid out and its mass. What if one outrigger is pulled a little short to clear an obstacle? Sure a skilled and careful operator can take all this into account.
But, this is the sort of thing a computer can easily do. Better, faster, and more dynamically than a guy with a piece of paper. Add a pressure sensor at each outrigger foot. Add a strain gauge at the end boom pulley. Add a linear encoder to feed boom extension to the computer. Add a boom angle signal. Write the software. In my mind the cost of these sensors (cheap) and their reliability (very high) would increase the speed and safety of the crane set-up and use. On to the next paying job.
2. The feet on outriggers arent designed in most cases to support anything even close to the machine's load in most applications, theyre simply designed to fit within the given space confines and/or be easily lifted in the case of detachable feet. Its an understood and widely used practice to use timbers or large steel mats to distribute the loads better, and in most cases is necessary.
"In most cases necessary"...yeah, why does a guy trying to make money tolerate that? A foldable/collapsable foot does not seem like a serious design challenge to me. I've got a $1000/hour job (equipment and labor - crane, crew, people leaning on shovels waiting for the crane guy to get set up...) and it takes the guy 1/2 hour to roll out his timbers and stuff and shove them under each foot. Lose that time ONE job a week and I've got $52,000 to start my ROI on making the more complex foldable feet....
Unfortunately we live in an era of "not my responsibility," and its sad. Oops! Good thing Ive got insurance.
Very true, yes, but that's a whole nuther thread
