What Are Crane Mats? Everything You Need to Know

Cranes are gigantic and helpful in industries, they lift heavy loads and reduce manual work. There are different types of cranes and each does its work perfectly. However, this heavy machinery can get too tough on the ground and that’s why we can’t forget the support system of cranes – crane mats. So, what are crane mats?

To put it simply, crane mats are sturdy platforms that usually consist of steel, composite materials or wood.  To provide heavy machinery like cranes with a sturdy and stable base, these mats are set beneath them. Crane mats evenly spread weight without causing surface damage. The cranes wouldn’t work properly without them.

Why Crane Mats Are So Important

Cranes are powerful and balancing them on the ground can be tricky. Directly placing them on uneven, muddy or weak ground can increase the chances of accidents. So it becomes important to support the heavy machinery in order to provide a stable surface and eliminate any chances of unfortunate accidents.

Here are some reasons why crane mats are important. 

• These mats help distribute the crane’s weight evenly. This offers a surface that supports the crane and is responsible for smooth operations.
  
• Crane mats also become important as they keep the large machines from sinking into mud, sand or soft soil.
  
• As the crane mats support the cranes, they also help in protecting underground pipes or cables from being crushed.
  
• Proper support of crane mats reduces the risk of tipping. This helps prevent severe accidents on the job site. 

The Different Types of Crane Mats

Crane mats are not all designed equally. Your project, the state of the ground and the kind of crane you’re using will all influence your decision. The few types of cranes are:

Timber Crane Mats

These crane mats are the traditional options. Timber crane mats are often made of hardwood timbers like fir or oak. These mats are sturdy and also cost-effective. However, they can wear out quickly so these are good for temporary projects that take less time to finish. 

Composite Crane Mats

Think of these as the modern upgrade. These cranes are made from high-density plastic (HDPE) or other similar materials. Because of the same reason, they’re lighter than wood and also resistant to water damage. The plus point is that they can last for years, and that’s why many industries choose them. 

Steel Crane Mats

Crane mats made of steel are heavy and built to support heavy loads. This makes them perfect for industries dealing with construction and oil and gas. Also, these mats are expensive but the durability is worth every penny. Using steel crane mats means great stability that will make operations smoother. 

How Crane Mats Are Designed

• Crane mats may look simple but they are made to handle extreme weight. With perfect dimensions, the mats spread the weight evenly across the surface. This prevents the ground beneath from collapsing.
  
• Every material choice offers different benefits. For example, timber offers flexibility and is great for temporary uses. On the other hand, steel provides unmatched durability.
  
• Locking systems keep mats secure during operations. This system reduces movement and also makes sure cranes remain stable even when lifting heavy loads.
  

Where You’ll See Crane Mats in Action

Crane mats are versatile and by that we mean you can find them in use almost everywhere. Crane mats are surprisingly versatile. They’re not only used for cranes but also for other heavy machinery. You’ll usually find them in use in – 

1. Construction sites – Here, crane mats are used for cranes, bulldozers and excavators on soft ground. By supporting construction cranes, they’re offering a stability that will help greatly with the work process.
   
2. Oil and gas projects – Here, crane mats are put to use to stabilise drilling rigs and pipelines in remote or muddy areas. These mats offer an even surface for the project to take place smoothly.
   
3. Utility work – In utility work, you’ll see crane mats in action when laying power lines or underground pipes.
   
4. Temporary roads – These crane mats are used as an even surface for areas that are too rough and uneven.
   

Why Using Crane Mats Makes Sense

Crane mats are more than just mats for cranes. These mats are a safe investment that can be put to use anywhere, at any time. Here’s why using them makes sense. Some people think of mats as an extra expense. But in reality, they’re an investment that saves money, time, and lives. Here’s why:

1. For Safety: We all know how cranes work, they carry heavy loads from one place to another. Cranes have high crane load capacity, however, without the mats, the machinery wouldn’t be able to do the work with stability. Cranes are prone to risk when the surface is uneven. So, using crane mats increases safety.
   
2. For protecting the ground: Using crane mats stops the damage to roads, fields and pavement. As heavy machinery like cranes can damage the ground, these crane mats protect it by acting as a stand.
   
3. Saving money long-term: Once the industries use crane mats, they’ll be saving on a lot of money in the long term. As these machines are heavy and carry loads, they can cause damage if not handled properly. Avoiding accidents and machine damage reduces overall project costs.
   
4. Working anywhere: These mats can work anywhere and offer great stability. These can be put on muddy sites or rocky ground.
   
5. Eco-friendly benefits: One thing these crane mats do for the benefit of the environment is that they save the ground and soil from pressure from heavy machinery. These mats protect wetlands and underground utilities.

Choosing the Right Crane Mat

If you’re planning a project, here are a few things to keep in mind before choosing:

1. Know your crane’s weight: If your project requires heavier cranes, then the workload will be on the higher side. These cranes need stronger mats made from composite or steel.
   
2. Check the ground: It’s important to check the ground of your job site. Different areas may require different types of mats depending on the ground.
   
3. Think about time: Mats made of timber are great for short-term projects because they are affordable. For the long term, investing in composite or steel mats will prove to be beneficial.
   
4. Ease of transport: Mats that you can easily move are much more efficient. So, if your project requires frequent site changes, then choosing crane mats that are easy to move will be amazing!

Conclusion

Hopefully, this blog answers the question: What are crane mats? We can definitely say that they are the support system on which cranes operate really well and without any risks. Without them, the projects would be delayed or there may be chances of accidents and costly damages happening. 

Primarily composed of steel and wood, crane mats provide excellent stability that keeps projects running smoothly. Therefore, in case you’re organising a project with cranes or heavy equipment, do consider the significance of crane mats and how they can be a sound safety choice.

FAQs 

1. What are crane mats made of?

Crane mats are made of different materials like timber, steel and even plastic. Their composition depends on the project and load requirements.

2. Are crane mats reusable?

Yes, of course. Crane mats are made to last and it also depends on their material. For example, composite and steel mats can last for many years. 

3. Do all crane projects need crane mats?

Not all cranes require crane mats. However, heavy cranes and larger projects require a lot of stability that only crane mats provide.