What You Need to Know

Work platforms exert high loads on the ground.If the soil load is underestimated or incorrectly distributed, tipping, subsidence or soil damage may occur– especially onParking decks, storage floors or uncompacted subsoil. The decisive factor is:Own weight + load in the basket + contact surface = ground pressure.

Always usesuitable base plates, check theLoad-bearing capacity of the soiland orient yourselfManufacturer information. In case of doubt:Involve structural engineers– before it becomes expensive or dangerous. If you plan the ground pressure correctly, you canStability, construction progress and occupational safety.

Floor load from work platforms and telehandlers

Ground load is a key safety factor when using aerial work platforms and telehandlers. Incorrect assessment can lead to subsidence, tipping, or expensive structural damage.

This guide shows you how to identify risks, calculate them correctly, and ensure a safe footing.

Basics: What you need to know about Ground Load

What does soil pollution mean?

Ground load describes the pressure a machine exerts on the ground via its wheels or supports. It is measured in kN/m² or N/cm² . Especially with boom lifts, the load can be highly concentrated at individual points – up to 80% of the total load can be on one support .

Why is soil load so important?

A seemingly stable subsurface can give way under extreme point loads. Manhole covers, hollow spaces, or weak warehouse floors are particularly critical. If the load is not distributed correctly, serious damage and dangerous accidents may occur.

How to correctly calculate the floor load

Important formulas for practice

• Ground pressure = supporting force (kN) / contact area (m²)
• Support area = supporting force (kN) / permissible soil bearing capacity (kN/m²)
• Maximum support load ≈ 75–80% of the total weight

Converting units – what you should know

• 1 kN ≈ 100 kg
• 10 N ≈ 1 kg
• 1 daN ≈ 1 kg
• 10 kN ≈ 1 t

Practical calculation example (DGUV)

Example without base plate:

• Support force: 27 kN
• Support plate: 20 × 20 cm (0.04 m²)
• Ground pressure: 675 kN/m²
• Permissible pressure (gravel): 250 kN/m² → overload

With base plate (40 × 40 cm):

• Contact surface: 0.16 m²
• Ground pressure: 169 kN/m² → Safe

How stable is your subsoil?

Values for typical soils

Proper support – what you need to consider

Choosing the right support plates

Important features of modern panels

• Non-slip surface, rubberized bottom
• Carrying handles, deep milling for secure hold
• Weatherproof, lightweight and robust

Live load vs. point load – what’s the difference?

Traffic load explained

• Indicates the area-related load (e.g. kN/m²)
• Important for use on ceilings or mezzanines

Point load explained

• Refers to individual contact points such as wheels or supports
• Unit usually in kN, N or daN

Risks due to incorrect soil loading

Incorrectly distributed loads endanger not only the equipment, but also people and the project. Common damages are caused by:

• Cracks in concrete slabs
• Sinking into asphalt or pavement
• Breakage of covers or cavities

Important: Never support on manhole covers, shafts or ceilings without first checking!

Special features of telehandlers

Reading load diagrams

Each machine has specific load curves. These indicate how much weight can be safely moved at a given reach.

Pay attention to stability

• Stability triangle = front wheels + center rear axle
• Rigid or rotating models have different requirements
• Each configuration (e.g. work basket, fork, bucket) changes the load distribution

Before use: How to check the surface

On-site location check

• Visual inspection for cracks, moisture, settlement
• Exclude cavities
• Clarify the construction height and material (e.g. for halls)

Correct setup

• Place support in the middle of the plate
• Allow the plate to rest completely – no cavities
• Level with spirit level
• Before starting work, carry out a short stability test

Legal requirements and standards

• DIN EN 280 – aerial work platforms
• DIN EN 1459 – Telescopic forklifts
• DGUV 208-019 – Handling stages
• BetrSichV – regulates the responsibility of operators, landlords, and operators

Conclusion: How to ensure a secure footing

• Use shims – always!
• Check and calculate load distribution
• Note the technical data of the stage
• If unsure: involve a structural engineer
• Regular training and instruction

This way, you not only protect people and machines – but also your project duration, your costs, and your nerves.

About the author

Martin Biberger

Managing Director

Martin is the founder and managing director of BIBERGER Arbeitsbühnen & Forklifts.

He is responsible for thetechnical areaTogether with his team, he is responsible for thetechnical purchasingthe machines thatFurther development of the machine inventoryand the smooth operation of over 1,500 BIBERGER rental devices.

From many years of experience he knows theStrengths and weaknesses of all device classes, the possibleAreas of applicationand thetechnical possibilities– always with a view to theDevelopment of the entire industryand future innovations.