What is a Crane Mat? Everything you need to know

Crane mats are an effective way of providing temporary access roads for heavy machinery on construction sites that have fragile ground. They allow you to avoid damaging the natural environment and get your project done quickly without having any negative impacts or lasting consequences!

Crane mats are most commonly used for temporary access roads on construction sites but they can be used in any situation where there is heavy machinery at work, outdoor events bog mats and for festivals, they can also be used for light construction equipment, to create a stable surface for temporary structures, in fact they are a ground protection solution that is flexible in any circumstance.

So, what is a crane mat? It’s simply a mat made from timber that can be laid on the ground and used to create roadways and surfaces for a multitude of reasons.

Other names for a Crane Mat

Crane mats are often known by other names, they can also be known as:

• bog mats
• timber mats
• wooden bog mats
• ekki bog mats or ekki mats
• ground protection mats or ground surface mats

Standard bog mats are always made from timber however, whereas ground protection mats for example can be made from differing materials depending on the use. Timber mats and bog mats are often used interchangeably. Crane mats are more likely to be used for circumstances where cranes are used.

What are Crane Mats made from?

Crane mats, bog mats, ekki mats, ground protection mats are made from timber or plastic. Timber bog mats have been used since the 1800s and are still a popular choice for use in the construction industry, utilities works and roadworks projects. Timber was chosen as it is stronger than many other materials that were available at the time such as sand bags, hemp rope, steel sheets and brick.

Today’s timber bog mats are made from european hard wood or tropical hard wood as they need to come from a hard wearing material and certain types of wood (or timber) do exactly that.

More on how Crane Mats are used?

Crane mats can be laid flat on the ground or tied together to create a temporary bridge or walkway. As well as general building work and housing developments, they have been used extensively in the mining and resources industry as well as being suitable for major civil engineering projects such as roadworks, dam construction and railway line installation. In some cases, timber mats have also been used as a foundation for temporary buildings or to protect waterways.

Crane mats provide temporary access or protection over soft or unstable ground conditions, including swampy areas, mud-filled gullies and other uneven terrain. They allow heavy equipment, machinery and vehicles to cross these muddy areas without sinking into the soil below them by spreading the weight of the machinery out across a larger area. They can also stop vehicles from slipping on wet, steep or muddy slopes by providing grip when used in combination with tyres or tracks.

What size are Crane Mats?

Bog mats come in different sizes, but the most common sizes are either 3000mm x 1000mm or 4000mm x 1200mm. Larger bog mat sizes up to 6000mm x 1800mm are also manufactured for specific applications such as protecting river banks from erosion.

Environmental considerations

Using bog mats can make a huge difference to the construction industry especially when it comes to environmental factors. Each building project has its own unique set of requirements and concerns, so by using bog mats you can be sure that your site is prepared for any occasion. Here are some of the ways in which bog mats can help preserve the environment during construction:

Water Conservation: One of the main concerns on any construction site is water usage. Too much water can damage surrounding areas, and can be a huge waste of resources. By using timber bog mats, you can help reduce water consumption. A bog mat can trap run off and preventing it from spreading to other areas. This also helps keep your site clean and organised, which can lead to decreased clean up times and costs.

Pollution Prevention: Building work can be a major source of pollution, especially if proper precautions aren’t taken. Bog mats help reduce the amount of pollutants released into the air and water, which can have a negative impact on local wildlife and ecosystems. They also help keep dust levels down, making for a safer and healthier work environment.

Soil Conservation: When it comes to construction, soil is a valuable resource. Too much disturbance can lead to erosion and other problems, but with bog mats you can help keep the soil in place while your crew works. This helps prevent damage to the surrounding area, and also makes for easier clean up once the project is finished.

By using timber mats on your next construction project, you can help ensure that the environment is taken into consideration. Not only will this save time and money in the long run, but it can also help preserve our natural resources for future generations.

Purchase or rent Crane Mats

You can purchase a crane mat or timber mat ongoing supply from us or rent as required.

Contact us today to learn more about how crane mats can help create safe routes or provide access to your site, provide a steady surface for heavy cranes and vehicles or provide a temporary roadway to reduce axle weight pressures. Suitable for different projects, made from hard wearing materials we are sure that our crane mat supply will be the right solution for your project.

If you are looking to rent or purchase crane mats, we offer an extensive range available across the UK and Europe, please get in touch today and one of the team will be happy to help