26 Feb 5 Best Practices for Storing and Maintaining Crane Mats
Crane mats are essential for ensuring stability during crane operations. They make wet, muddy or uneven surfaces more manageable and reduce the risk of accidents and equipment damage.
To maximize the lifespan of wooden crane mats, proper storage and maintenance are key. The following tips will help you achieve these goals: Ensure your mats are stored off the ground and that they are properly stacked with spacers to allow air circulation.
1. Keep them Clean
If you use crane mats, it is important to keep them clean. You should also use a de-icing agent that is safe for wood, such as calcium magnesium acetate. If you use rock salt, it can damage the mats and make them unsafe for heavy machinery to stand on. You should also store them in a dry place to prevent moisture and environmental damage.
Crane Mats create a secure base for heavy machinery, transforming muddy or unstable terrain into a working area. They also protect the soil underneath, preventing erosion that can disrupt work and delay project completion. They are also environmentally friendly, as they reduce the amount of chemicals that leak from machinery onto the ground.
One of the biggest advantages of using crane mats is that they help to ensure that projects stay on schedule. Without them, it is easy for trucks and other equipment to get stuck in mud or muck, slowing down production. But with the right mats in place, this is less likely to happen and it makes it easier for equipment to move from point A to point B.
Depending on the type of terrain, you may need different types of crane mats to provide adequate support for your machinery. A survey can help you decide which timber mats to purchase. You should also consider the amount of weight that your mats will need to hold. Heavier machinery typically requires thicker timber mats to support the load.
One of the best ways to save money on crane mats is by buying used ones. These can be found at auctions, salvage yards and other locations that sell used industrial equipment. They should be inspected before purchasing to ensure that they are in good condition and can safely support your machinery.
2. Do a Shake or Drop
Cranes are one of the most powerful pieces of equipment in the construction industry, but they also pose a significant risk to people and property. This risk can be reduced by following a few simple best practices, such as storing and maintaining crane mats correctly.
In order to properly maintain crane mats, they need to be inspected regularly. This includes ensuring that they are in good shape, free from rot or other issues that could compromise their ability to support heavy machinery. It is also important to ensure that they are matched to the machinery they will be used with. For example, a heavier machine may require a thicker mat to accommodate the load.
It is also necessary to perform a site specific risk assessment before using crane mats. This will help identify any potential hazards, such as underground utilities that may be impacted by the placement of the crane mats. Additionally, it will also ensure that the proper personal protective equipment is being used by those working on the site.
When performing a shake or drop, it is important to use the right tools and techniques. For example, metal blades and excavator buckets should be avoided, as they can damage the surface of the mat. Instead, a powered pressure washer can be used to clean the crane mats effectively.
It is also important to check the condition of mat stockpiles regularly. This will ensure that the piles are not leaning or unstable, and that rotten mats are identified and removed from service. Additionally, it is essential to clearly mark all mat stockpiles with warning signs and barricades to prevent the general public from accessing them.
3. Use a Pressure Washer
When it comes to keeping your crane mats clean, regular inspection and maintenance are key. This will ensure they are in good condition and ready to be deployed for use on your next job site. A pressure washer can be used to thoroughly wash away dirt and debris that has accumulated on your crane mats over time. This will help to reduce the risk of contamination and increase their lifespan.
In addition to regular inspection and maintenance, it is important to store your crane mats properly. Stacking them too high or in damp environments can cause them to warp and break down over time. It is also important to keep them out of direct sunlight as this can damage the material.
Crane mats are an essential piece of equipment for stabilizing heavy machinery on soft or uneven ground. They are available in various materials and sizes, and choosing the right ones depends on the crane type, weight of the load, and ground conditions. Ensuring that these critical pieces of equipment are in good working condition can help to prevent accidents and increase efficiency.
The global crane mats market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years due to increased demand for industrial construction projects. Innovation in manufacturing techniques is expected to drive the development of mats that can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy loads, increasing operational safety. This trend is likely to attract investments from construction companies looking to improve their project safety and productivity.
While crane mats are a vital component for enhancing the safety and security of machinery on unstable ground, there are still many hazards that can arise on a construction site. Some of these hazards are unforeseen and cannot be prevented, but others can be mitigated through the use of control measures.
4. Keep them Dry
Keeping crane mats dry is important, because it can help to prevent damage to the machinery that uses them. This is especially true if the crane mats are used in wet environments, such as those where rain or melting snow may occur. Dry crane mats can also provide a stable platform for the machinery to work on, so it’s less likely that they will shift or fall over, which could cause injury to workers and damage to the equipment.
The best way to keep your timber or composite crane mats in good condition is to make sure they are cleaned and maintained regularly. This can be done by cleaning them with a powered pressure washer, as well as making sure they are stored away from areas where they may be exposed to extreme heat or cold. In addition, it is important to keep them out of direct sunlight, as this can affect their appearance and lead to deterioration over time.
Mats are essential tools for construction projects that involve heavy machinery, such as wind turbine installation. They are designed to distribute the weight of the equipment and minimize the risk of sinking into the ground, as well as protect the environment from damage like erosion. When properly used, crane mats can save construction companies money by helping to reduce project delays caused by machinery that gets stuck in soft or muddy ground conditions.
Outrigger pads and crane mats can be made from a variety of materials, including timber, composite, fiberglass or plastic. However, timber crane mats are still the most common choice due to their durability and affordability. They can be repurposed to create temporary roadways, bridge decking or excavation support.
5. Store them in a Safe Place
When used properly, crane mats are an essential tool for construction contractors, project managers and site supervisors seeking to balance cost, efficiency and environmental responsibility. Effective mat coverage minimizes the risk of getting equipment stuck or mired in mud, which can cause delays and eat up valuable work time. This can have a direct impact on your bottom line, as well as your reputation and the ability to meet client deadlines.
In addition to protecting your schedule, the right hardwood or composite crane mats also make it easier for your team to operate machinery with greater precision and speed. Crane mats create a stable base for heavy machinery, and they distribute the weight of the machinery evenly, which prevents damage to fragile soil structure, root systems and natural habitats. They also shield plants from the impacts of heavy machinery, and they help keep hazardous materials like fuel or lubricants from spilling into nearby water bodies and causing ecological disasters.
Crane mats are often deployed on wetland, marsh, and swamp sites to provide access for equipment without disturbing the delicate ecology of these sensitive ecosystems. They can also be used to bridge wetlands or other unstable areas that are otherwise inaccessible to construction vehicles.
As with any piece of equipment, regular maintenance is crucial for extending the life of crane mats and keeping them in optimal working condition. When not in use, Eucalyptus crane mats should be stored on a flat, dry surface to prevent warping and distortion. During storage, it’s important to periodically inspect them for signs of damage, and any damaged or deteriorated mats should be promptly removed from service. Crane mats should also be stored away from metal blades or excavator buckets to avoid potential mechanical damage.