The best ground protection mat is the one matched to your site, traffic and surface. In practice, that means looking beyond a single load figure and choosing a system that suits the vehicle, ground condition and access route.

Start with the job

Before selecting a mat, work out what needs to cross the area, how often it will travel over it and what is underneath. A temporary pedestrian walkway, a landscaper’s access route and a heavy civil haul path are very different applications.

• What machinery, vehicles or foot traffic will use the route?
• Is the ground firm, soft, wet, sloping or uneven?
• Do you need a single access lane, two wheel tracks or full-area coverage?
• Will vehicles turn, brake or remain stationary on the mats?
• Is surface protection, traction or load distribution the main priority?

HDPE ground mats

High-density polyethylene, or HDPE, mats are a durable option for more demanding temporary access and ground protection. Ground Nurse HD ground mats are 2400 × 1200 × 12 mm and can be connected to create a longer, more stable route where the application calls for it.

They are commonly considered for construction, civil, utility and equipment-access jobs. Actual performance depends on the site, setup and traffic, so proposed loading should always be assessed against the specific ground conditions.

Lite ground mats and track mats

Lighter matting can be a strong fit for lower-impact traffic, landscaping, events, pedestrian access and lighter vehicles. Smaller-format track mats are useful where a narrow access path or two-wheel-track layout makes better use of the site.

They can be quicker to handle and are often the more economical option when the job does not require full-size heavy-duty mats.

Connectors, anchoring and layout

For repeated or higher-traffic use, the connection method matters. Suitable connectors can help keep mats aligned, while anchoring may be relevant in locations where movement is a risk. The layout should also account for entry and exit points, turning areas and drainage.

Make the call with the full picture

Mat selection is about the whole system: product, route width, jointing, ground preparation and how equipment will use it. Share your dimensions, surface type and equipment details with Ground Nurse and we can help identify a practical option.

Shop the right system

Compare Ground Mats HD, Ground Mats Lite and Track Mats HD. For joined layouts, add 2-way or 4-way connectors.