Question about crane outrigger placement on slopes

I used to set them by eye, which led to a shaky lift. Now I use a laser level every time for solid footing.

3 comments

3 Comments

Man, that reminds me of the time we were setting up a concert stage on a deceptively sloped field. The head rigger kept eyeballing the tower bases, swore it was fine. Halfway through hanging the speaker array, we all felt that subtle sway. Had to stop everything and break out the water levels. Turns out the "flat" section had a two inch drop over ten feet. You just can't argue with a bubble.

jordanhill2mo ago

At a summer gig in Denver, we had a similar scare with a lighting truss. I used to roll my eyes at guys who overchecked with levels, thought it was slow and pointless. After watching a base plate shift just enough to make my stomach drop, I bought my own laser level the next day. That bubble in the water level is the only thing that never gets tired or tricks you. Now I'm the guy holding up the show to double check, and nobody complains when everything stays up.

adam_adams2mo ago

Ever try a torpedo level for a quick check before the big gear comes in? That short length can find those sneaky little slopes your eyes miss.