Project Overview
When heavy lifting operations are required in locations with existing surface damage, protecting the ground becomes particularly important. Without suitable precautions, the weight and movement of heavy equipment can increase the risk of further deterioration and potentially lead to expensive repairs.
JAK Hire was approached by a regular customer who required temporary crane mat hire for a lifting operation within a pub car park.
The project presented several challenges, including restricted access, an existing car park surface showing significant signs of wear and a demanding schedule that required the ground protection to be installed and removed within a matter of days.
The car park already contained areas of substantial erosion and potholes, raising concerns about the potential for further damage during the lifting operation.
The customer wanted to avoid placing additional strain on the existing surface, particularly where further deterioration could result in the need for extensive resurfacing work.
Following discussions about the project requirements, JAK Hire arranged the installation of a double layer of TuffTrak ground protection mats to create a temporary protective pad for the lifting operation.
The mats were installed on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of lifting operations scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday morning. JAK Hire also coordinated the removal around a Thursday 5pm deadline to minimise disruption to the pub.
The Challenge
Protecting an Already Damaged Car Park
The primary challenge was the condition of the existing car park. Over time, the surface had experienced considerable wear, with areas of erosion and potholes creating concerns about its ability to accommodate the proposed lifting activities without suffering further damage.
Heavy lifting equipment can place significant pressure on the surfaces beneath it, particularly where existing ground conditions are already compromised.
For the customer, the potential consequences extended beyond the immediate lifting operation.
Further damage to the car park could have resulted in additional repair costs or potentially the need for complete resurfacing, making effective temporary ground protection an important consideration.
The customer therefore required a crane mat hire solution that would provide additional protection for the existing surface throughout the planned works.
Restricted Access and a Tight Installation Schedule
Alongside the condition of the car park, the location itself presented logistical challenges.
Access to the working area was difficult, requiring JAK Hire to plan the installation and removal around the constraints of the site.
The project was also particularly time sensitive because the ground protection installation would temporarily occupy part of the pub’s car park.
For a hospitality business, access to parking can be an important part of the customer experience. Keeping the car park out of use for longer than necessary was therefore a priority. The agreed schedule required JAK Hire to:
- Install the temporary ground protection on Tuesday afternoon.
- Have the protective pad ready for lifting operations on Wednesday.
- Keep the protection in place for further lifting activities on Thursday morning.
- Return to remove the mats on Thursday, with a deadline of 5pm.
Meeting this schedule was essential to minimising the period during which the car park would be unavailable.
The Solution
Double Layer TuffTrak Ground Protection
To address the customer’s concerns about the existing surface, JAK Hire recommended installing a double layer of TuffTrak ground protection mats.
TuffTrak mats are commonly used for temporary access and ground protection applications, providing a durable surface between heavy equipment and the ground beneath.
For this project, the decision to use a double layer reflected the particularly worn condition of the car park and the customer’s desire to reduce the risk of further damage.
The additional layer created a more substantial temporary protective pad than a standard single layer installation.
This approach was intended to provide additional surface protection across the working area, helping reduce the risk of damage associated with vehicle movements and the wider lifting operation.
The completed installation provided a protected working area for the mobile crane within the restricted car park.
Double layer TuffTrak mats were installed across the designated area to help protect the deteriorating surface from vehicle movements and the wider lifting operation.
The project photographs show the crane positioned on the temporary matting, with separate outrigger support arrangements in place for the lifting operation.
By tailoring the installation to the specific site conditions, JAK Hire provided a practical solution for a location where protecting the existing surface was a priority.
Coordinating Installation Around the Lifting Operation
With limited time available, JAK Hire installed the double layer TuffTrak pad on Tuesday afternoon.
This provided the customer with a prepared working area ahead of the lifting operation scheduled for the following morning.
The installation programme was coordinated around the customer’s requirements, helping ensure that the temporary protection was in place when needed without unnecessarily extending the period of disruption.
The protective pad remained in position throughout the planned lifting activities on Wednesday and Thursday morning.
Minimising Disruption to the Pub
One of the most important considerations was the impact on the pub itself.
The temporary ground protection occupied part of the car park, meaning that normal parking arrangements would be affected while the mats were in position.
JAK Hire therefore worked to a tightly defined removal schedule, with the aim of having the mats removed by 5pm on Thursday.
This allowed the customer to plan the lifting operation around a limited period of car park disruption rather than leaving the temporary installation in place for an extended period.
The ability to coordinate both installation and removal was particularly valuable given the location’s access restrictions and the operational needs of the business.
The Outcome
Protecting the Surface While Limiting Disruption
JAK Hire successfully completed the temporary ground protection project, managing both the installation and removal of the double layer TuffTrak mats around the customer’s lifting programme.
The installation provided additional protection for the deteriorating car park surface during the lifting operation, while the carefully coordinated programme helped minimise disruption to the pub and its customers. The key benefits of the project included:
- Additional surface protection: The double layer TuffTrak installation was designed to reduce the risk of further damage to the already worn car park.
- A tailored approach: The ground protection solution reflected the existing erosion and potholes rather than relying on a standard installation.
- Support for lifting operations: The temporary protective pad was installed ahead of the scheduled crane activities.
- Reduced business disruption: The installation and removal programme was planned to minimise the period during which the pub car park would be unavailable.
- A coordinated service: JAK Hire managed the installation and removal of the ground protection around the customer’s lifting schedule.
- Protection against potential repair costs: By taking precautions before the lifting operation, the customer sought to avoid additional surface damage that could have resulted in expensive resurfacing work.
For businesses and contractors working in locations with existing surface damage, temporary ground protection can be an important part of planning heavy lifting activities. This project demonstrates how JAK Hire can provide a practical crane mat hire solution that considers both the requirements of the work and the impact on the surrounding environment.
Customer Experience
Related Projects
Crane Mat Hire and Temporary Ground Protection from JAK Hire
Whether you are planning a crane lifting operation in a commercial car park, working on an existing tarmac surface or managing heavy equipment in a restricted location, JAK Hire can help you identify an appropriate temporary ground protection solution.
Our range of TuffTrak access mats can be used across a variety of construction, commercial and infrastructure applications, with installations tailored to individual site requirements. From single layer installations to double layer protective pads, we work with customers to understand their requirements and coordinate the supply, installation and removal of temporary ground protection.
Need crane mats for a lifting operation or concerned about protecting an existing surface? Request a ground protection matting quote from JAK Hire and find out how we can help with your next project.