Crane mats are the nearly invisible foundational heroes of construction projects. They create a solid working surface for heavy equipment and spread the weight of machinery to minimize damage to the ground.
Without crane mats, ground damage can halt construction and create dangerous conditions for workers. Effective crane mat planning during the project planning phase can help save time and money in the long run.
Spreads Loads
Heavy equipment is a necessity in construction projects, but working on uneven or unstable ground puts employees and machinery at risk of injury or damage. Crane mats create a stable working platform that spreads the weight of heavy machinery across a broader surface area. This reduces the pressure on any one point of contact, which can cause the ground to give way and sink into a dangerous cavity.
In addition to distributing load, crane mats are designed to support the outriggers of heavy equipment. When paired with outrigger pads, crane mats help prevent accidents from occurring when the outriggers sink into soft or muddy ground. This happens when the outriggers’ center of gravity moves to an unstable position, and it can lead to injuries and costly equipment repairs.
Quality crane mats are durable and made to withstand the heavy loads of even the heaviest construction equipment. They are also available in a variety of sizes and materials to accommodate various project specifications. Our team can work with you to find the right crane mats for your site, ensuring that they are properly aligned and connected for maximum stability and safety.
By creating a solid base for construction equipment, crane mats improve workflow and efficiency by reducing the time needed to set up machinery. This helps construction teams meet deadlines and complete projects on schedule. It also mitigates the financial risks associated with workplace accidents, which can result in costly insurance claims and potential litigation.
The benefits of crane mats extend beyond improved workflow and efficiency to include reduced ground impact. By separating construction machinery from the soil beneath, crane mats protect natural habitats and prevent damage to road infrastructure. They also offer protection for the machinery, keeping it safe from bacteria that can be transferred to it from tracked or contaminated vehicles.
Whether used as a temporary working platform or as a permanent ground stabilization solution, high-quality crane mats are an essential tool in any construction project. As regulatory bodies continue to place a greater emphasis on site safety, the importance of crane mats will only increase. In addition, many companies are implementing eco-friendly practices to promote sustainability and environmental consciousness in their construction activities.
Prevents Slips and Falls
Crane mats are an effective tool for preventing damage to construction sites. The pressure of heavy machinery on the ground can cause compaction, rutting, and pavement damage, which require costly repairs, delay projects, and create unsafe working conditions. By distributing the weight of cranes and loads evenly across the surface, crane mats prevent this damage, keeping work on track for timely completion.
Quality crane mats are also designed to be durable, ensuring they stand up to the wear and tear of heavy equipment and repeated use. This durability means that construction crews can use crane mats for the entire length of a project without having to replace them, saving money and resources. Additionally, when crane mats are replaced, they are made from recycled materials, minimizing their environmental impact.
The durability of crane mats allows them to offer superior support for equipment, allowing it to operate more efficiently. In addition, crane mats can provide access to wet or flooded areas that may otherwise be inaccessible for construction projects. This helps to conserve water and soil resources, protect ecosystems, and create safe working conditions for construction teams.
Crane mats can be used to create temporary roads that help construction crews move around the construction site with ease. This improves efficiency, which leads to cost savings and a reduction in overall project delays. This is especially important for large-scale projects, where every day lost to weather or equipment malfunction could mean a significant loss in profits and project timelines.
Whether made from oak, spruce, or fir, high-quality timber crane mats are engineered for maximum strength and durability. Lamination is a common manufacturing process in these types of mats, which fuses multiple hardwood boards together to make them more resistant to intense pressure and heavy loads. They are also made from renewable, sustainable woods, a choice that promotes environmentally responsible construction practices and reduces the need for new raw materials. Additionally, timber crane mats can be reused after they are removed from a jobsite, further reducing their waste footprint and extending their lifespan.
Preserves Natural Terrain
Crane mats help preserve the natural environment and sensitive terrain where a construction site is located. By creating a barrier between the ground and equipment, crane mats prevent soil compaction, which could damage or kill the surrounding plants. They also help to avoid cross-contamination, where bacteria from one piece of machinery is transferred to another. Crane mats are also used to create stable roads that allow vehicles to access a construction area without getting stuck or needing to drive through muddy or boggy areas.
The ability to move heavy machinery quickly and efficiently, without the worry of getting stuck in the mud, helps project managers stay on schedule. This means they can complete projects faster, saving money and increasing profitability. This also benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the machinery, and it aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly buildings and development practices.
Without the support of crane mats, uneven or unstable working surfaces can cause equipment to lose stability and tip over. This poses a risk to workers, as well as the surrounding environment. Unstable surfaces also increase the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls, which are among the most common construction site injuries. Moreover, equipment that becomes unstable may leak fuel, hydraulic fluids, or other hazardous substances into the ground, posing an additional safety hazard for workers.
Quality crane mats are designed to distribute the weight of heavy machinery over a larger area, which reduces the risk of soil degradation and construction delays. This helps to maintain the structural integrity of the ground, and it makes it easier for workers to operate machinery. Additionally, crane mats allow for more accurate placement of loads, preventing the risk of accidents from mishandled or dropped loads.
Laminated crane mats are made from hardwood materials with a focus on sustainability, which makes them an environmentally responsible option. They are also reusable, which cuts down on waste and energy consumption. At Sell Lumber, we offer a variety of new and used crane mats to meet your specific needs. We also provide custom-made solutions to accommodate unique projects and challenges. We can help you find the best crane mats to keep your crew and equipment safe on any worksite.
Reduces Waste
In the world of construction and heavy machinery, quality crane mats are essential for fostering safe and efficient work environments. These mats help to ensure that equipment is firmly grounded on a solid base, protecting the underlying surface and preventing costly damage. Ultimately, they help to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
In addition to distributing the weight of heavy machinery, crane mats are an excellent choice for minimizing waste on site. This is because these mats are able to reduce the amount of material that needs to be removed from the ground when heavy equipment is moved. This reduction in waste can result in significant savings for your business and reduce the overall environmental impact of your project.
When determining the best type of crane mat for your jobsite, it’s important to consider the size and weight of your machinery, the ground conditions, and the required allowable load bearing pressure. A trustworthy supplier will be able to provide you with the right mats for your situation and ensure that they are delivered on time.
Laminated crane mats, such as those provided by Phoenix Mat, are an excellent choice for distributing the weight of machinery evenly. Their layered design disperses the weight of a heavy crane over a greater surface area, reducing the risk of concentrated pressure points that can damage the underlying soil. This superior weight distribution capability is especially important for sites that may be located on uneven or unstable terrain.
As more and more businesses prioritize sustainable practices, utilizing crane mats can help you to minimize your environmental footprint. These mats are sourced from responsibly harvested hardwood materials, and are designed to be reused multiple times. This is a great way to minimize waste and encourage eco-friendly construction practice, without having to sacrifice stability or functionality.
In the construction industry, crane mats are often seen as unsung heroes. These mats are essential for ensuring that loads are distributed evenly, that the ground is protected, and that all safety standards are met. By providing a stable foundation for heavy machinery, crane mats help to prevent injuries, environmental damage, and costly delays in project completion.
