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Bigfoot Construction Equipment Inc.
American Grit That Performs Under Pressure
For more than three decades, Bigfoot has operated as a family run American manufacturer producing American made wood outrigger pads, custom composite outrigger pads and steel crane mats used across all seven continents. From the beginning, Bigfoot products were shaped by American Grit, and real-world field experience in crane operations, lineman work and concrete pumping, where STRENGTH, STABILITY and SAFETY are not optional.
As lifting equipment has grown in size and capacity, dependable ground support has become increasingly critical. Jobsite conditions are rarely ideal. Uneven terrain, changing soil conditions, moisture and compaction all affect how loads are transferred into the ground. Because of this variability, reliable ground support depends on products that broadcast loads based on their weight, lift requirements and the equipment being used.
Ground bearing capacity refers to the ability of soil to support applied loads without failure and varies significantly based on soil type, moisture content, drainage and compaction.
In practice:
• Lift planning relies on allowable ground bearing pressure, which applies conservative safety factors to account for uncertainty and dynamic loading.
• OSHA and ASME guidelines emphasize the use of properly sized, adequately rated outrigger pads and blocking to help support stable equipment setups.
• Load spreading systems such as outrigger pads and crane mats do not increase the strength of the ground itself but instead reduce applied pressure by broadcasting loads over a larger surface area, helping maintain pressures within allowable limits across a wide range of jobsite conditions. Bigfoot designs and manufactures ground support products with these realities in mind. Higher load ratings, consistent material performance and clear engineering standards guide product development so crews can rely on equipment that performs in the conditions they actually face, not ideal scenarios. This approach reflects an understanding of what operators
expect from ground support used beneath critical lifts.
Beyond manufacturing, Bigfoot actively participates in industry organizations including NAMA, ASME, and the SC & RA Safety, Education and Training Committee, to support education, collaboration and the development of best practices. This involvement, combined with hands on field experience, informs Bigfoot’ s understanding of how varying ground conditions interact with load spreading systems.
At Bigfoot, American Grit is engineered into every solution through reliable products, accountability and respect for the responsibility carried by crews working under pressure every day. As the company expands its product portfolio and supports new applications, its commitment remains unchanged: deliver dependable ground support solutions that help promote safer, more consistent jobsite performance.
Come see American Grit in action and visit Bigfoot at the CONEXPO CON / AGG Show in Las Vegas, March 3-7, located at Booth # F24054 in the Festival Lot.
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February 2026 • www. cranehotline. com