Crane Mats
The different materials used in crane mats and their benefits
Optimum choice for low to medium point loads. Typical uses might be Access Platforms, rotating Telehandlers and smaller mobile cranes, up to around 60t capacity, depending on the thickness of nylon used, and the ground bearing capacity. Often a 1-2 person lift making them quick and efficient to place and retrieve. They are often used in conjunction with smaller standard crane mats (as shown above) to increase rigidity, or with wooden/metal mats to more evenly distribute the point load of the outrigger leg. They are relatively light for their capacity and size, versus traditional wooden/metal mats and are ideally suited to short term hires, where the maximum point load is relatively low.
Utilising the latest extrusion and material technology, Aluminium Mats offer exceptional load spreading for their respective weight. A foam pad called Ethafoam is used under the pad to protect the ground, and also the mat. a full set of these mats can weight between 700kgs and 1500kgs depending on size, less than 35% of an equivalent steel mat, offering significant savings both in transport costs and the effort required to place them accurately under the crane. The technology employed means these mats are more expensive to produce than alternative materials, but the time and logistical savings compared to steel and timber mats far outweigh their higher rental costs.
These have been the backbone of the crane industry for many years, they are relatively inexpensive to hire, durable, and easier to place and retrieve than steel mats. Suitable for larger access platforms and mobile cranes up to around 150t capacity, depending on the thickness of hardwood used, and the ground bearing capacity. Hardwood mats would always need a nylon or metal mat on top to spread the point load uniformly, and care must be taken to check the mats regularly for signs of damage either from handling, point loading or environmental conditions. Transport costs for these are generally higher than aluminium or nylon mats so these are better suited to longer term hires.
