Ground Protection Mats for Heavy Equipment are Superior to Plywood
Creating easy access to and from project sites and a stable work area are critical concerns for many industries, including construction, landscaping, utilities and infrastructure. Ground conditions play a significant role, and the damp, muddy and uneven conditions caused by spring’s wet weather can result in projects being delayed or even halted.
Unstable ground conditions can also lead to accidents at work or construction sites, sometimes causing serious injuries and fatalities. Ground protection mats can deliver a safer, temporary working environment for projects large and small.
The Downside of Using Plywood as Ground Protection
Plywood is the most popular and cheapest form of wooden ground protection. There are a number of different options for wood mats such as softwood or hardwood, and solid or laminated plywood. Although plywood may seem to be a less expensive option, this type of ground protection has many downsides.
The Safety Concerns with Using Plywood as Ground Protection
Due to plywood’s porous structure it absorbs a lot of water, which increases weight and accelerates rotting and de-lamination. This also makes the wood highly susceptible to fungi, bacteria, insects and rodents. A lack of traction can create a slippery, unsafe surface for equipment and personnel.
Plywood Has a Limited Lifespan
The average load bearing capacity of plywood mats can vary from sheet to sheet due to differences in the density, quality, ground, weather, and overall usage conditions. Over time, maintaining plywood mats and replacing them as a result of a limited lifespan can end up costing far more than you think.
Ground Protection Mats Offer Superior Strength and Durability
Ground protection mats are specially designed to be a complete ground protection solution for use in challenging working conditions. They help to ensure that vehicles, machinery and people can move freely no matter what the ground conditions, while virtually eliminating rutting or damage to ground, natural grass and turf.
Mats Offer Versatility
By creating temporary access roads, parking lots or working platforms, ground protection mats allow heavy equipment to get through mud, sand, snow and swampy conditions while also preventing environmental damage. They can also be used to create walkways, providing safe pedestrian access routes for the duration of a project or special event. This makes ground protection mats ideal for a range of uses, from utility and heavy construction, tree maintenance, and turf and grass care to stadiums, golf courses, cemeteries or any project where preventing remedial ground restoration is a factor.
AlturnaMats Protect Project Sites Better and Last Longer than Plywood
AlturnaMats offer exceptional strength, durability and protection compared to other ground protection mats. These rugged mats are virtually indestructible. Made of ½” thick 100% recycled high-density polyethylene, they are impervious to water absorption, unaffected by mold and bacteria, and resistant to insect infestation. Each mat can withstand vehicles weighing up to 120 tons, with consistent load-bearing performance from mat to mat.
AlturnaMats are lightweight and quick to deploy without any special equipment. The flexible construction molds to undulating or sloping terrain, providing a secure trackway. These mats are also easy to clean and can be recyclable at end of their lifespan, lowering carbon emissions and landfill waste.
Investing in Ground Protection Mats Saves Money in the Long Run
AlturnaMats are an investment that will pay dividends for years to come. Their performance will far exceed the lifespan of plywood, saving you money in the long run and providing a safer, more durable solution.
Traffic Safety Direct is an authorized AlturnaMats dealer, so you know our 4’x8’ ground protection mats are the real thing (smaller sizes are also available – call for pricing). Our knowledgeable sales team is happy to help you choose a ground protection solution that’s perfect for your spring projects. Just give us a call!