If you’ve seen more plastic polymer ground protection mats come into the market lately and are asking yourself which one you should be using, then read on. The temporary ground protection mat industry has exploded over the last few years as consumers are turning away from traditional plywood matting to products that offer a magnitude of ROI for various industries including landscapers, construction companies, oil and gas industries, and even outdoor event spaces. Whether you’re traversing heavy loads, driving big machines or protecting your surfaces from fallen debris, you may be wondering which option is best for your needs. Let’s compare the leading protection mat brands to help you decide which mat is best for you.
Ideal for: Because ScourtMats are only available in 1 size (4’x8’) and in one color (tan), it may not be suitable for every application. If the color doesn’t matter to you and if 4’x8’ fits the coverage you need, then ScoutMat is an excellent choice for Ground Protection. If the tan color or the 4x8 size doesn’t work for you, consider going with AlturnaMATS or StartMATs which have more variety in color and sizes.
Ideal for: If your priority is to have the best quality and never have to ever worry about consistently replacing ground protection mats from wear and tear, then Alturnamats is the right fit for you. However, with its exceptional versatility and quality, this mat comes with a corresponding premium price tag. Making it the most expensive option among the three.
Ideal for: If you are on a tight budget and still looking for a quality ground protection mat then the Start Mat is the right fit for you
Now that you’re armed with more information, there are a few other things you should consider. We usually suggest selecting a mat that can handle the weight of your equipment and vehicles. AlturnaMATS have the highest weight capacity and offer the longest warranty, making them a top-notch choice for those who want absolute assurance. But considering the federal weight limits for single-axle (20,000 lbs.) and tandem axle vehicles (34,000 lbs.), most common applications are well within these ranges. Therefore, a more budget-friendly choice like StartMat, rated for 90 tons (180,000 lbs.), should suffice for nearly all typical uses. If you would like to speak with a ground protection mat specialist feel free to contact us.