An Introduction to Timber Crane Mats
Crane mats are a type of heavy equipment mat. Heavy equipment mats in general are built from extremely durable load-bearing materials designed to support the weight and movement of heavy machinery.
Crane mats are also referred to generically as construction mats. This is because crane mats have a variety of uses aside from crane support and stabilization.
Timber crane mats are durable enough to be re-sold and reused. In fact, used crane mats are often in high demand in our online marketplace. In this post, we’ll tell you what makes crane mats so indispensable to many contractors, and how to tell if the quality of the mats you’re shopping for are best suited for your project needs.
Design
Crane mats are made of heavy, solid timbers 8, 10, or 12 inches thick, which are joined together by steel bolts to create mats that are usually 4 feet or 8 feet in width, and up to 40 feet in length. The construction process allows contractors to use crane mats to create larger, different sized/dimensioned mats.
The design, with uniform thickness, helps support and stabilize equipment while reducing impact to the environment. Using crane mats helps protect not only workers and equipment, but also the surrounding environment from damage like ground erosion, vegetation disruption, and changes in natural drainage flows.
Uses
In addition to their namesake usage – supporting the weight and movement of cranes – crane mats are strong enough to support a variety of other types of equipment. While crane mats can be used on any landscape, they are especially useful for construction work in remote areas or in work zones with uneven surfaces.
Cranes
Using crane mats as a stabilizer for large cranes primarily reduces the risk of the crane tipping over. But timber crane mats underneath cranes also serve to ensure that workers can operate the machine safely by allowing the crane a surface to stand firm on and hold its proper bearing – and that it doesn’t get stuck in the mid.
Temporary Roadways
Crane mats are often used to create temporary roadways to assist in getting equipment from one point to another. In addition to the reduction in environmental disruption, crane mats used as temporary roadways allow contractors to move equipment along a safe, sturdy path while avoiding bumps, holes, or other unforeseen hazards.
Bridge Decking
Crane mats used for bridge decking are often called bridge mats. Timber mats provide surface decking for bridges and similarly elevated areas to create a stable surface for walking, working, and equipment movement. Adding crane mats to bridges or decks creates a stable working area.
Excavation support
Similar to the way crane mats stabilize a crane, these mats can also be used to steady an excavator (or other digging machines) to prevent the machine from sliding or tipping over, which puts not only the equipment at risk, but the lives of all workers in the work zone.
Pipeline Construction
Crane mats used in pipeline construction allow pipe trucks and workers a safe surface to work and travel on without disrupting pipelaying progress or damaging the material. Crane mats can also be used as an air bridge over an existing line to keep traffic off of the pipe.
Grading
One thing to consider when preparing to purchase used crane mats is the grading. The classifications include Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C, and indicate quality and previous wear-and-tear.
Grade A: Like-new, typically have been used once before. Minimal signs of use. All bolts and timbers are intact.
Grade B: Still maintains structural integrity, but shows signs of wear-and-tear. All timbers are still intact, but the ends may be worn. A couple of bolt may be bent or missing.
Grade C: Significantly worn. May be partially repaired or rebuilt. Missing or broken timbers and bent, broken, or missing bolts. May be used as filler for better mats.
Buy and Sell Used Crane Mats with Eiffel Trading
Eiffel Trading currently has many new and used crane mats for sale, plus used cranes and used excavators to use them on.
All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.
Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.