Why Ground Protection Still Matters Even When It Hasn’t Rained
Dry ground might look stable, but repeated heavy vehicle loads can cause it to crack, rut and break up just as easily as wet ground can. On site, that means:
- Surface breakup under plant and vehicle movements, even on ground that looks solid
- Dust thrown up by traffic, reducing visibility and air quality
- Uneven, cracked surfaces increasing the risk of trips, slips and vehicle instability
A hardened site is still a hazard. It just needs a different solution.
Track Mats vs Road Plates vs Timber Bog Mats: Which Suits Your Site?
GAP’s Non-Mechanical Plant division offers a full Ground Projection range, including Track Mats, Road Plates, Timber Bog Mats, Trench Covers and Kerb Ramps. Choosing the right one comes down to your ground, your load and how long you need it in place.
Track Mats
Track Mats are interlocking panels that create a stable, temporary walkway or roadway across your site. Quick to lay and lift, they’re ideal for:
- Vehicle and pedestrian access routes across construction sites
- Temporary routes for festival, event and agricultural show grounds
- Sites needing fast deployment and removal with minimal ground disturbance
Road Plates
Road Plates are steel plates used to cover trenches, excavations and utility works, giving vehicles and pedestrians safe passage over an open dig. They’re quick to lay and lift, making them the right call for:
- Short-term cover over active excavations
- Utility and roadworks projects where access needs to be restored fast
- Sites where the surface below will change again soon
Timber Bog Mats
Timber Bog Mats are heavy-duty timber mats built to support the heaviest loads across soft, uneven or unstable ground. They’re the right choice for:
- Long-duration ground protection on large sites
- Supporting heavy plant and vehicle movements across dry, cracked or uneven terrain
- Wide-area coverage for pipeline routes, agricultural land or extended event sites
GAP’s Ground Protection range also included Trench Covers and Kerb Ramps, for site-specific access needs beyond these options.
Beyond the Ground: Barriers and Fencing for a Busy Summer
Ground protection is only half the job. Barriers and fencing control site access, define hazardous or restricted areas, manage foot traffic around spectators or the public, and reduce the risk of theft or unauthorised entry. Particularly on temporary sites without permanent security.
Why Choose GAP Non-Mechanical
- Specialist Non-Mechanical depots across the UK, backed by a vehicle fleet built for fast, fuss-free delivery
- Every item is inspected and safety-checked before it reaches your site
- Expert advice on the right combination of Track Mats, Road Plates, Timber Bog Mats and barriers for your ground protection
- Nationwide coverage with local depot support, whatever the site or the season
Whatever condition your ground is in this summer, GAP has a solution to keep it stable, safe and compliant. Explore our full range of Non-Mechanical Plant here or contact your local GAP Depot.
