What Are the Different Types of Crane Equipment Mats?

Also known as timber mats or construction mats, crane mats are temporary platforms made from timber or composite materials designed to stabilize heavy equipment during construction. They provide a sturdy, level base, which is essential for safety and efficiency.

Crane mats can be used for stationary applications or for "bridging" over unstable or sensitive areas such as swamps, wetlands, or pipelines (often referred to as bridge mats or access mats). They help keep equipment stable and safe, prevent soil erosion and ground compaction, and protect roads and sidewalks from damage caused by heavy machinery.

Regardless of the application, mats must be affordable, usable, durable, and shippable. Depending on the type and scope of your project, the size and weight of the equipment, and the composition and stability of the terrain, each of these factors carries different levels of importance. Here is a quick guide to the various types of crane equipment mats.

Timber

Timber is the traditional choice for crane mats. It is not only the most affordable option but also the quickest to construct and assemble, allowing for easy customization. Timber mats are usually made from oak, fir, or spruce, which are cut into boards and bolted together for enhanced stability and durability. Additionally, timber is the most environmentally friendly material for matting, as it decomposes and breaks down naturally.

Laminate

Laminated wood mats are typically three-ply, meaning they consist of three layers of wood with each layer running in opposite directions, resulting in a strong and durable crane mat. This construction provides the strength needed for high-traffic use. Laminated wood mats are also lightweight, making them easy to transport and move, which helps reduce setup time and transportation costs.

Steel

Steel crane mats are primarily utilized for outrigger support because of their exceptionally high load capacity. They provide superior load distribution and durability but come at a higher manufacturing cost and are heavier to transport.

Composite

Composite mats generally have a higher initial cost; however, they are often more durable and have a longer lifespan compared to timber, potentially making them more cost-effective over time. The most common types of composite mats include fiberglass, plastic, and rubber.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass mats are known for their high strength, lightweight nature, and ease of transport. While they can be significantly more expensive, their value is realized over time due to their exceptional long-term durability.

Plastic

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) mats are hollow, engineered mats that provide strength and load-bearing capacity comparable to timber but are much lighter.

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) mats are solid plastic, offering the highest impact strength while remaining lighter than hollow HDPE mats. This allows for more mats per truckload, reducing transport costs and maximizing work surface area. Additionally, they feature a simple connection system for easy and fast assembly, without the need for prior ground preparation.

Rubber

Rubber mats are made from recycled rubber crumb sourced from scrap tires, molded into sections. They feature a rigid spine, often constructed from steel, which enhances their durability and makes them nearly indestructible. These mats offer superior traction compared to other matting materials, making them an effective solution for long-term use in even the harshest conditions.