What role do mats or cribbing play in crane setup?

• A. They provide a stable, level base when ground conditions are soft, uneven, or unstable.
• B. They are decorative and have no function.
• C. They replace the need to check soil bearing.
• D. They should be used only after an incident.

Answer: (A)

Mats and cribbing create a stable, level base for the crane when the ground is soft, uneven, or unstable. They spread the crane’s load over a larger area and provide a solid platform so outriggers don’t sink, tilt, or shift during lifts. Mats are rigid panels that bridge soft ground, while cribbing uses stacked blocks to build up a level, supportive surface; together they improve stability and protect the ground from excessive pressure. Always follow the crane manufacturer’s and site guidelines for selecting, placing, and inspecting mats or cribbing, and remember that ground bearing and condition still need to be evaluated as part of setup—mats or cribbing supplement that assessment, not replace it. These are used as a standard part of crane setup, not only after an incident.