Getting it right with ground mats

TransQuip ground mats (sometimes called traction mats) help create quick, temporary, stable surfaces for vehicles and equipment to drive over while protecting the ground beneath.

Mats make site access easier, improve safety, reduce the nuisance caused by mud and soil, and lower the cost of remediation when a project is complete.

Used in sectors from construction to energy generation, they are fully modular and can be used individually or to create entire temporary roadways.

Here we have made a video to answer the most common FAQs we get asked about mudflaps – take a look and keep reading below to find out even more

What are TransQuip's ground mats made of?

Our ground mats are made from tough, durable hdpe plastic (high density polyethylene). Importantly, hdpe plastic helps spread the load of the vehicle or machinery travelling over it.

Famous for its strength, hdpe plastic can also withstand extremes of temperature – handy in New Zealand's climate!

The mats won't warp, crack or delaminate. Lightweight and flexible - so theythey flex when they're driven over on undulating ground - they are also chemical and salt resistant.

How big are they?

As we mentioned, they're modular so you can combine them to create all kinds of surface areas in various widths and lengths – to suit your needs.
The basic mat is 2.4m x 1.2m.

How do I join them together?

Mats can be quickly, easily, and securely joined together to create larger surface areas using 2-mat joiners and/or 4-mat joiners. Joiners are available from TransQuip.

How heavy are they? Are they easy to move around?

The ground mats each weigh 39kgs. Two integrated handles on each side of the mat make it a quick, easy, two-man job to lift them on and off vehicles and move them around the site. That means less downtime, fewer delays and no special equipment is required.

Do they need to be anchored?

Mats don't usually need to be anchored. But, if the ground is firm enough, pins can be inserted in the holes provided to prevent them from shifting about. Pins are available from TransQuip.

What do they do?

The mats have two main functions. The first is to stop vehicles and equipment from slipping, sliding, or (worse) getting bogged when the ground is wet, soft, uneven, or sandy. To help with this, the upper side of the mats has chevron-shaped tyre grips for traction. The bottom of the mat is smooth to protect the earth below (or asphalt or concrete) from being pitted and scarred.

The second function of the mats is to help prevent damage to grass, sandy or soft surfaces while work is going on. Not only will the ground be easier to walk and drive on, but the grass or soil structure underneath will be protected reducing time and costs remediating it.

Once work is complete, simply lift the mats up, hose them down and pack them away ready for the next job.

What's wrong with a bit of mud?

Turns out, quite a lot.

Muddy worksites can rapidly turn into a health and safety issue. And cause nuisance, delays, and extra costs!

A bogged truck or heavy vehicle can tie up a lot of workers and bring a worksite to a grinding halt. Mud and/or sand on vehicles and equipment also contribute to extra wear and tear, and time spent cleaning them down.

Tracking mud, and other site debris, onto adjacent public roads and footpaths, is unprofessional and can be the source of significant friction with neighbours and the public. Ground churned up by vehicle tracks and ruts is expensive and very time consuming to remediate – potentially slowing down any subsequent work.

Using TransQuip ground mats, you can get onto the worksite, do the job and get off again in a timely manner, with minimal damage and disruption to the site.

Can't I use plywood instead?

Mark from the TransQuip team says a comment he often hears is; "I always use plywood. What's the difference?"

Here's his response.

Plywood has a short life span. It breaks down over time or when it becomes saturated which means it can't be re-used, unlike ground mats. Ply also has no grip on the surface so vehicles can slide on it making it potentially extremely dangerous. (It's not terrific for work boots either!)

Plywood won't spread the vehicle load very effectively, or bend or flex on uneven surfaces – it'll just crack.

So, no. It's definitely not recommended!

Buy or hire?

Every business and every project is different. Whatever the scale, or budget, TransQuip can supply ground mats to meet your needs – sale or hire. Or even a mixture of both!

TransQuip's ground mats and accessories are quick and easy to order online. Or just give one of our helpful team a call to discuss your needs.