What are the different types of crane equipment mats?
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February 1, 2022
Also called timber mats or construction mats, crane mats are temporary platforms constructed from timber or composite materials to stabilize heavy equipment for construction. They provide a sturdy, level base and are essential for safety and efficiency.
Crane mats can be used for stationary applications or for “bridging” over unstable or sensitive areas such as swamps or wetlands, or over pipelines (often referred to as bridge mats or access mats). They keep equipment stable and safe, prevent soil erosion and ground compacting, and protect roads and sidewalks from damage from heavy machinery.
Whatever the application, mats must be affordable, usable, durable, and shippable. And depending on the type and scope of your project, the size and weight of the equipment, the composition and stability of the terrain, each of these factors weighs differently. Here is a quick guide to the different types of crane equipment mats.
Timber is the tried-and-true material for crane mats. Not only is it the most affordable, it is also the quickest to construct and assemble, and is easily customizable. Timber mats are typically constructed from oak, fir, or spruce, cut into boards, and bolted together for stability and durability. Timber is the most environmentally friendly material for matting because it decomposes and breaks down naturally.
Laminated wood mats are typically three-ply, or three layers thick, with the wood running opposite directions in each layer, creating a strong and durable crane mat. This strength and durability makes them the ideal choice for high-traffic use. Laminated wood mats are lightweight and easy to transport and move, reducing setup time and transportation cost.
Steel crane mats are primarily used for outrigger support, due to their extremely high load capacity. They offer superior load distribution and durability, but are expensive to manufacture and heavy to transport.
Composite mats are more expensive initially. However, many composite mats are more durable and offer longer lifespan than timber, making them potentially more cost-effective over the life of the mat. Fiberglass, plastic, and rubber are the most common types of composite mats.
Fiberglass mats are high-strength, lightweight, and easy to transport. They can be significantly more expensive, which isn’t reflected in the day-to-day effectiveness of the mat, but can be realized over the life of the mat, as they offer great long-term durability.
High-density polyethylene (HPDE) mats are hollow, engineered mats similar in strength and load-bearing capacity to timber, but significantly lighter.
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) mats are solid plastic and offer the highest impact strength while being lighter than hollow HPDE mats. As such, more mats can fit on a truckload, reducing transport costs and increasing the work surface per truckload. They offer a simple connection system which is easier and faster to assemble, and doesn’t require prior ground preparation.
Rubber mats are manufactured from recycled rubber crumb from scrap tires, molded into sections. They have a rigid spine embedded inside, often made of steel, making rubber mats extremely durable and practically indestructible. Rubber mats provide greater traction than other matting materials, an effective solution for long-term use in even the harshest conditions.
With a decade of experience in the timber business, we take pride in manufacturing tried-and-true timber mats that are made to last. Our high-quality, durable timber and laminate mats have been used in dozens of industries across Indiana and the Midwest, including construction, shipping and exporting, energy, utilities, oil and gas exploration, pipeline construction, and many more. Our experts will help you choose the best crane equipment mat solution that balances your project needs with cost. Give us a call at 812-362-3350 or contact us for more information.
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Outrigger pads are designed to provide security and safety to equipment setups that include outriggers, stabilizers, or down jacks.
These mats work by taking the pressure from your outrigger, shoe, float, etc. and dispersing it over a wider area. This reduces the amount of pressure exerted on any one zone, thereby reducing the chances of ground movement, surface damage, and more.
Two of the most popular outrigger pad styles DICA offers are SafetyTech and FiberTech.
Both are made in the USA and can handle a variety of applications.
All available pads have TuffGrip® handles that are guaranteed for life. These handles are bright orange for high visibility, as well as waterproof and resistant to UV rays, road chemicals, and hydraulic fluids. They make transporting simple regardless of whether you need to roll or carry your mat.
SafetyTech pads are designed to be unbreakable. They are made from an engineered thermoplastic material and have industrial grade safety texturing and smooth, round edges and corners.
They are waterproof and come in three classification levels: medium duty, heavy duty, and super duty.
Medium duty crane pads are recommended for basic stabilization and load distribution applications. They work best with smaller equipment that have lower reaction forces. These include digger derricks, bucket trucks, and equipment with stabilizers.
If you need a product to help distribute the weight of a more significant load, such as aerial lifts, mobile cranes, and concrete pumpers, choose a heavy duty outrigger pad. They are ideal for medium-sized equipment with reactionary forces of up to 100,000 lbs.
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Super duty crane mats are also recommended for medium-sized equipment with reactionary forces of up to 100,000 lbs., but have a higher crush rating of 600 psi and are 3" thick.
Get peace of mind by choosing a pad with a warranty. The manufacturer's warranty applies to all breaking or cracking due to defects in material or workmanship. Call to learn more.
Looking for a DICA crane pad with superior rigidity and load distribution? Then FiberTech pads are the way to go. Made from Fiber-Reinforce Polymers (FRP), they have a better rigidity and strength to weight ratio than SafetyTech: a 1" thick FiberTech pad is 25% lighter than a 3" SafetyTech pad with the same approximate area.
The extra rigidity is beneficial because it can effectively distribute pressure even if the soil quality is poor.
They are also incredibly durable - they have an expected service life of more than 20 years! FiberTech mats can be used in almost any environment too - in temperatures ranging from -40°F/-40°C to 131°F/55°C - including maritime.
According to the manufacturer, the typical usage of these pads is for medium-sized equipment - such as mobile cranes, digger derricks, and concrete pump trucks - with reaction forces up to 100,000 lbs.
Learn more about the benefits of DICA outrigger pads.
The features that make DICA pads a better option are the absorption rate and the reliability of properties like strength and rigidity.
Wood has a high absorption rate, which causes big variations in performance, while DICA mats have an almost nonexistent absorption rate and are consistent in terms of stiffness and reliability.
Additionally, the damage caused to wood by moisture, insects, and other factors can lead to worker injury.
No. Nor do they create static electricity.
Yes.
resistant to chemicals
?To prevent contamination, both pads are resistant to chemicals commonly found at construction sites or on parking lots or roads.
The crush rating is the max allowable pressure measured in pounds per square inch.
FiberTech: -40°F/-40°C to 131°F/55°C
SafetyTech: -40°F/-40°C to 180°F/82.22°C
The hotter the temperature, the more pliable these pads become. They become more rigid at colder temperatures.
Can SafetyTech pads accommodate depressions in the ground?
Yes, SafetyTech pads will conform to depressions in the ground for better performance. And once the job is complete, the pad should flatten back into it's original shape (over the course of a day or so).
I use 3D Lift Plan to plan my lifts - how do I enter DICA pads?
DICA products are included in the 3D Lift Plan program, so it's easy to add these to your setup.
Questions about our crane pads for sale? Call to speak to one of our product experts - they'll be happy to recommend a product, provide a quote, and more!
Custom outrigger pads are also available.
For more Composite Outrigger Padsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.