Crane mats provide a safe and reliable foundation for trucks and other heavy equipment to operate. They also help preserve ecologically sensitive areas like wetlands and marshlands.
Crane mats can be made from timber, composite, or fiberglass. Each type has a different lifespan, but how they’re handled and used can dramatically impact their lifespan.
The Crane’s Weight
Crane mats provide a level, solid and steady base for construction equipment like cranes. This allows them to maneuver a job site safely and efficiently. They also help them traverse rugged or uneven terrain and pass over buried utilities or pipelines without damaging them. This allows construction companies to use large and expensive equipment on projects that would otherwise be impossible or unsafe without them.
When choosing a crane mat, it is important to consider its size, thickness and length. A longer mat will allow more weight to be supported, making it a better choice for heavier equipment. The thickness of the mat is also important because it determines its ability to withstand a load’s weight. Mats that are too thin will be susceptible to damage, while those that are too thick may not be as durable or as easy to handle.
Another factor to consider when choosing a crane mat is its grade. Used crane mats can be a good option for budget-minded contractors, but it is important to check the grade before making a purchase. Used crane mats should be rated A or higher by a licensed grader to ensure they are in good condition and are able to withstand a load.
Regardless of whether you choose wood, composite or steel mats, they should be well-maintained to extend their life and performance. Regularly inspecting the condition of your crane mats can help you identify any damage or wear before it becomes a major issue. Carefully handling the mats can also extend their lifespan, as this prevents them from being damaged during transport or while being installed on a project. To find reliable and durable crane mats for your job site, check out CraneMats.co for a wide selection of high-quality options.
Whether you need to rent or buy crane mats, it is essential to have them on hand for any spring construction project. This season brings increased rain and melting snow, which can make the ground muddy and slippery. Crane mats help to stabilize the ground and enable construction vehicles and machinery to operate more easily on wet or muddy surfaces. They can also prevent the soil from being churned up and allow contractors to minimize environmental risk.
The Crane’s Age
If your crane’s parts are beginning to wear out, it may be time to replace them. This will increase performance and safety while decreasing repair costs. Additionally, it will allow for the use of more modern components that have been designed to last longer than older parts.
In addition to wear and tear, a crane’s environment plays an important role in its lifespan. For example, the type of terrain on which it is being used will affect the amount of stress it experiences. If your crane is being used on rocky or hilly terrain, it’s a good idea to use mats that are designed for these environments. This will help stabilize the crane and prevent the equipment from damaging the ground underneath it.
Choosing the right crane mats is an important part of ensuring their lifespan. For instance, wood mats are usually rated by a licensed grader on a scale from A to C. Those with an A grade have been well maintained and are in great condition, while those with a C grade have been heavily worn or damaged.
The type of crane mats you choose will also depend on your budget and the terrain on which your crane is being used. For example, oak mats are an excellent choice for muddy or sandy terrain. They can create a road for your trucks to drive on and will protect the soil from being churned up. They are also available from sustainable sources, which is a huge benefit for environmentally conscious contractors.
Steel crane mats are another option but they’re typically expensive, heavy, and susceptible to corrosion. They can also be difficult to inspect due to their internal welds, which are difficult to see. In addition, they are not as strong as other types of crane mats.
In addition to replacing your crane’s mats, it is also important to make sure all workers are up to date on proper construction safety practices. A few months off or slow work can make even the most experienced construction professionals rusty on their knowledge of construction safety standards and measures. Reviewing these safety tips with your team will help ensure that everyone remains safe while working on the job site.
The Crane’s Environment
Whether a construction site is situated on a muddy, sandy or rocky landscape, crane mats create a safe and solid base for heavy machinery to work from. They also help to prevent a crane from sinking into soft dirt or soil, which could damage the machine and lead to a costly breakdown.
The durability of a crane mat depends on the materials from which it is made, the stress they undergo during use, and how they are stored, transported and installed. For example, timber crane mats can rot if they are exposed to water and sunlight for extended periods of time. To extend their lifespan, they should be stored in a dry and covered area between projects. Similarly, composite crane mats can be damaged by excessive handling, so they should be handled carefully to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
It is also important to remember that crane mats are not designed to withstand the full load bearing pressure of a construction project, as they are only intended to distribute a portion of the outrigger’s reaction force. It is therefore critical to determine the exact ground conditions at a construction site before deciding on the best type of crane mats to use.
In addition to protecting cranes and construction equipment, crane mats offer a variety of other advantages that can contribute to a successful project outcome. For instance, they improve workflow and increase productivity by reducing downtime and ensuring that equipment is in working order. They also promote a safe and stable working environment, which in turn reduces stress levels for workers and increases team morale.
In addition, crane mats can be reused several times at the end of a project, which is an environmentally responsible practice that can also save construction companies money by minimising the need for new raw materials. At the end of a project, redeploying crane mats can also help to protect the surrounding environment by preventing soil from being churned up, which in turn prevents erosion and makes it easier for site managers to restore land to natural use.
The Crane’s Environment
Cranes are beautiful creatures, and their trumpeting calls and carefree courtship dances inspire awe. They are also important indicators of the health of our environment and natural resources, as they are among the first species to disappear when an area is disturbed. They are particularly sensitive to changes in water resources, habitat loss, and invasive species. Sadly, cranes are also among the most endangered animals in the world.
It’s essential that construction companies use crane mats to keep their job sites as safe as possible. This is because a crane that tips over can cause serious damage to the site and injure workers.
For this reason, it’s important to review safety standards and procedures with your workers before the busy spring construction season begins. Make sure that your team members are up to speed on the proper operation of each piece of equipment and how to avoid common hazards like uneven ground, mud, and other weather conditions.
You should also consider whether your project is going to last a long time or if you need to use the crane for an event, such as a festival. If your project is short-term, renting crane mats may be a better option than purchasing them. In addition, rental contracts are usually flexible and let you change the size and type of crane mats as needed for each phase of the project.
Besides protecting your workers and equipment, crane mats help to eliminate the need for costly supplementary ground preparation. This includes processes like grading and compacting, which can require specialized equipment. It also reduces the amount of fuel used by heavy machinery, as it provides a stable foundation for your crane to operate on.
Crane mats are also used to create roads for trucks, which makes it easier to get your equipment to and from the job site. This is especially useful when it’s rainy, as the road keeps your vehicles out of the mud and enables you to work safely. In addition, crane mats are made from hardwood such as oak, which is a sustainable source.
