The use of plastic is often frowned upon and we cannot ignore the negatives which surround the material. However, in the ground protection industry, particularly for the use of equipment mats, it is often the better, safest, most sustainable and environmentally friendly option compared to its alternatives. Overall, construction matting promotes the positive use of HDPE plastic. Let’s break down the most common problems associated with HDPE plastic equipment mats and explore how we challenge or combat them.
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Due to its robust nature, plastic is difficult to dispose of. It often ends up polluting our soils, rivers and oceans then causes harm to the creatures that inhabit them. To help address this problem, we only use post-industrial recycled plastic equipment mats. We use mats that were previously waste, generated from the manufacturing process.
Some argue that HDPE would disintegrate if left for thousands of years, but this has not been demonstrated or proven yet. So ultimately, it is not compostable, which of course is not good for the planet. To combat this issue, we recycle and repurpose all our unwanted plastic equipment mats. We never send them to landfill.
Household plastic, which we are all familiar with, is almost impossible to repair. We often end up throwing away any of our plastic possessions which crack or split. Plastic becomes sharp and quite dangerous when broken. In the construction industry, HDPE plastic is also difficult to repair however it is almost impossible to break too. Our plastic ground protection mats are very flexible and follow ground contours. Crafted from robust, high-grade HDPE, we confidently assure you that they will not crack or bend.
Plastic equipment mats are often subject to rubber shoe soles and tyre marks however our plastic equipment mats are all black to prevent them from looking worn and carrying obvious stains. We also regularly jetwash our trackway mats to keep them clean and prevent stains and surface damage.
Often, when something is low value, we don’t preserve it like we would a high-value item. Plastic is notoriously cheap to make and often sold cheaply too. In our sector, our plastic equipment mats differ from this characterization. While they serve as a cost-effective alternative to aluminium trackway and may not fetch a high scrap value, they are crafted with high-quality plastic.
“As the world strives for a more sustainable future, the role of HDPE is expected to increase. Innovations in recycling, biodegradable materials and light weight continue to drive the HDPE market forward. HDPE focuses on reducing environmental impacts and meeting the needs of various industries, so it continues to be the material of sustainable tomorrow.”
– Anishaluccas, Medium
Are you looking for an affordable and versatile ground protection mat? We decided to offer our own with the benefits of the competition without the additional cost! Our ground mats are flexible, durable (virtually indestructible), and come with a Lifetime Warranty! Available in 3x8' or 4x8' sizes, black or white color, and with best-in-class industry standard Diamond Cleat tread!
Heavy equipment can cause extensive damage to your property, resulting in costly repairs and extended downtime. Over the years, HDPE composite mats have taken over the market from plywood, fiberglass, and even steel to provide the most versatile ground protection mat but it comes at a higher cost. Our mat delivers on both price and performance.
StartMat is designed to protect and stabilize your surfaces from damage or degradation due to overuse. They're also environmentally friendly and made from highly recyclable HDPE material.
They're not required, but recommended if you have installed your mats on uneven ground or plan on having your mats deployed for extended periods of time.
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Overmount connectors are less expensive and can be used where protrusion by the connector is not a critical issue. e.g. you only have construction equipment running over the mats with no pedestrian use.
Undermount connectors are installed from underneath the mats. They are considered to be faster and easier to install, with a flush fitting and only the nut exposed on top.
Generally used in combination, depending on your mat layout configuration. 2-way type connectors are used to connect mats end to end on either side of the mat for a continuous run, e.g. two sets of tracks for construction vehicle equipment.
4-way connectors can be used to link 4 mats together by each corner to create a platform or larger working surface area.
Q: What is the warranty on StartMats?
Our Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty is to the original (retail) purchaser. This means that they have an indefinite warranty. Our mats are warranted against, but not limited to, cracking, breaking, splintering, and chipping. Examples of what would not be covered include bridging, using as outriggers, and placing the mats over large rocks or stumps, which could puncture the mats.
Q: What is the weight capacity of StartMats?
StartMats are rated at 200 psi and can safely support loads of up to 90 tons over grassy fields, sand, and aggregate surfaces in various applications.
Q: Can I drive and turn on StartMats?
Yes, you can drive the most common vehicles and loads on StartMats, including tractor-trailers, forklifts, backhoes, pickups, and other heavy equipment.
Q: Which color mat should I choose?
Black mats are suitable for all use cases except when used on grass or other greenery for an extended period. In such cases, you'd choose our Natural (white) mats, as they best deflect sunlight and prevent browning of foliage.
Are you interested in learning more about excavator HDPE mats? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!