Ground Protection: Hardwood Mats vs Plastic Mats

In our post An Introduction to Timber Crane Mats, we discussed how hardwood crane mats, sometimes called construction mats, are built from durable, load-bearing material. These ground protection mats are specially designed to support the weight and movement of heavy machinery and are especially useful for work using heavy equipment in remote areas that are uneven or environmentally-sensitive.

In general, ground protection mats include crane mats, outrigger mats, and cribbing.

Recently, we’ve had customers ask us about the differences between hardwood ground protection/construction mats and plastic or composite maps. We’ve also heard from customers who have a strong preference for one over the other.

Hardwood Mats

Crane mats are built using heavy timbers that are held together using steel bolts. These construction mats typically measure 8, 10, 12, or even 16 inches thick (depending on the manufacturer), 4 to 8 feet wide, and up to 40 feet long. Mats can be arranged to create larger and uniquely shaped configurations.

Hardwood mats are also available as outrigger mats. These dense mats are often steel-reinforced, available with or without chokers (handles or manual grips). These outrigger mats are a good choice for creating access roads for large trucks or other rubber-tired equipment, as they create a stable platform and are more lightweight than larger crane mats. The connection systems in timber crane or outrigger mats ensure that the mats stay in place for the duration of the project.

Hardwood mats – laid for crane, other types of heavy equipment, pipelaying, vehicles, or as a working surface – provide protection for personnel, property, and the surrounding environment. Using hardwood mats helps prevent damage like ground erosion, vegetation disruption, and helps the area maintain its natural drainage flows.

Some hardwood timber ground protection mats are supported by a steel frame, which helps extend the life of the mat. An added benefit of using hardwood crane mats is that operators can put mats in place using the very crane they will later support. This reduces the need for extra equipment during placing.

Plastic Mats

Plastic and composite construction mats are offered by many different companies, but most mats are plastic or laminate. Though plastic mats are often more light-weight and thus less expensive to transport, the up-front cost is much higher than that of hardwood mats. Plastic mats can also come with many risks.

Plastic mats may or may not have an anti-slip coating or surface, depending on the manufacturer. Mats without this protective surface can also be dangerous during hazardous weather – the pads can become slick, endangering staff and posing a risk to equipment and material on the site.

Plastic ground protection mats do not always provide an equal load distribution to protect the ground underneath. Uneven loads can cause sections of matting to rock up or down, disturbing the natural landscape underneath. Damaged or cracked plastic mats can also cause damage to the surrounding area.

Final Thoughts

All ground protection mats will wear out eventually. Hardwood mats, unlike plastic mats, are built with recoverable materials. There are no industry standards or regulations to help guide manufacturers, which means that every provider of ground protection plastic mats may use different methods of production and assembly. Hardwood crane, outrigger, and ground protection mats are typically produced in the same fashion from manufacturer to manufacturer, because those providers already know what works.

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 operate on top of them.

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.