1. Protecting the environment and ground surface
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One of the biggest advantages of ground protection mats is their ability to minimize damage to the environment. Without mats, heavy machinery can cause ruts, compact soil, or destroy vegetation. Mats help preserve landscaping, especially in sensitive or heritage areas.
2. Increased safety on site
Mats can provide a more stable and even surface, reducing the risk of slips, trips, and machinery getting stuck. In rainy or muddy conditions, they prevent vehicles from sinking or sliding, which is a common safety hazard on construction sites.
3. Improved efficiency
By providing solid ground access, mats can reduce downtime due to poor site conditions. Machinery can move faster and more confidently over the mats, resulting in faster project completion and lower costs.
4. Reusable and durable
Most high-quality ground protection mats are reusable for multiple projects, making them cost-effective in the long term. With proper care, they can last for several years and withstand heavy loads and harsh environments.
5. Compliance with local regulations
In environmentally sensitive areas in Australia (like wetlands, protected reserves, or indigenous lands), mats are often required to comply with environmental and access regulations. Using them helps avoid fines or project delays.
1. Initial cost
Ground protection mats can be expensive to purchase upfront, especially for large-scale projects. While rental is an option, the initial investment may not suit small contractors or short-term jobs.
2. Transport and handling
Despite their efficiency, mats are often heavy and bulky, requiring equipment or workers to install and remove them. Transporting them to remote areas can also be costly and logistically challenging.
3. Storage requirements
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When not in use, mats need to be stored properly. Improper storage can lead to warping or degradation, especially in Australia's hot and UV-intense climate.
4. May not suit all terrain
While mats perform well in most situations, in extremely uneven or rocky terrain, on steep gradients or ground that is too soft, they might not lay flat or provide the same level of stability. In such cases, additional site preparation may be needed.
Ground protection mats are a valuable asset for many Australian construction companies, offering a combination of environmental care, site safety, and operational efficiency. While the upfront costs and logistics may present some challenges, their long-term benefits often outweigh the disadvantages — particularly on large or ongoing projects.
If you're managing a site where soil damage, access issues, or regulatory compliance are concerns, investing in ground protection mats could be a smart move. Whether you choose to buy or rent, be sure to select the right type of mat for your specific needs and terrain.
With the arrival of spring, the sound of chirping birds is joined by the sounds of outdoor construction, landscaping and tree maintenance. Regardless of the size and scope of the work, there are countless reasons for protecting the ground beneath a project as well as the equipment used to complete it.
Whether you are a contractor, landscaper or arborist, you are responsible for ensuring that your clients’ property is not damaged by equipment and workers. If the job calls for heavy machinery, ground protection is crucial not only for preventing ruts in grass and turf but for keeping equipment from getting stuck in the mud.
Protecting your customers’ property can save you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs, but using the right ground protection is the key to success. While wood is often considered the cheapest form of ground protection, it may not be the wise choice in the long run.
There are a number of different options for wood mats, including softwood or hardwood and solid or laminated plywood. Plywood is the most popular form of wooden ground protection among many contractors because it is inexpensive. However, this type of ground protection may not be as economical as it first appears.
For starters, the porous structure of plywood makes it prone to absorbing a lot of water. This causes mats to become heavy and weak, accelerates rotting and makes them vulnerable to bacteria, insects and rodents. Wood mats provide little to no traction, which can result in a slippery surface for equipment and workers.
In addition, the average load bearing capacity of plywood mats can be inconsistent from sheet to sheet due to differences in density, quality, surfaces and weather. The load capacity also deteriorates over time, contributing to a limited lifespan that results in frequent repair and replacement, increasing the cost of wood mats over time.
There are numerous benefits to using ground protection mats instead of wood.
These rugged mats have been developed specificallyto protect and stabilize surfaces and prevent destruction caused by heavy use. They virtually eliminate damage where vehicles cross lawns, turf, mud and swampy areas, while providing easy movement for vehicles. This makes ground protection mats ideal for a range of uses, from utility and heavy construction, tree maintenance and turf and grass care to golf courses, cemeteries or wherever ground restoration is a factor.
By displacing the weight of heavy machinery, ground protection mats help create a solid temporary foundation while reducing the impact of the equipment on the surface below. These mats feature a cleat design that gives vehicles the traction they need to operate efficiently and avoid getting stuck in muddy or sandy work sites.
Why Choose AlturnaMATS?
AlturnaMATS offer exceptional strength, durability and protection compared to other ground protection mats, and will save you money if you are currently using wood. Made from ½” thick recycled polyethylene, these mats bend but don’t break, withstand extreme temperatures and won’t rot or deteriorate. They are practically indestructible.
The performance of AlturnaMATS is far superior to plywood, providing maximum equipment traction and a load capacity designed to disperse up to 120 tons. You can build a continuous working platform or temporary roadway in minutes thanks to their easy linking system, which allows multiple ground protection mats to be connected and interlocked. Cleaning is as simple as hosing them off, and you can re-use them over and over again. The company’s Lifetime Limited Warranty means you’ll get the most out of your investment.
Traffic Safety Direct is an AlturnaMATS authorized dealer, so you know you are getting the real thing. Our 4’x 8' ground protection mats come in black or white, and smaller sizes are also available (call for pricing.), and fast delivery ensures you will have what you need for all of your spring projects. Order yours today!