What is the primary purpose of placing blocking or pads under outrigger floats?

Placing blocking or pads under outrigger floats serves the essential function of distributing the force exerted by the crane's outrigger system over a larger area. This distribution is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, it helps prevent ground failure by spreading the load, which minimizes the risk of sinking or instability, particularly on soft or uneven surfaces. The increased surface area reduces the pressure on the ground, enabling the crane to operate safely and effectively without compromising its stability.

Additionally, by using pads or blocking, the crane operators can enhance the overall steadiness of the crane during lifting operations, which is vital for safety and operational efficiency. This practice is especially important in construction and heavy lifting scenarios where precise positioning and stability are paramount.

The other choices, while important aspects of crane operation, do not capture the primary safety and operational function of the blocking or pads. They do not necessarily improve crane mobility, increase lifting capacity, or specifically address wear and tear on the outriggers. Instead, the foremost reason remains about ensuring the stability and safe operation of the crane by effectively managing ground load distribution.