Overview
JAK Hire delivered a fully managed ground protection solution for a modular home delivery in a new residential development in the South East of England. The project involved a series of complex crane lifts carried out over several months. The final phase was the most challenging yet, requiring a full road closure and precise surface protection across multiple terrain types.
The Challenge
This final lift posed several logistical and environmental challenges. The crane needed to be positioned on a narrow residential road, which meant:
- Full closure of the access route for an entire day
- Protection of the tarmac surface, pavement, kerbstones, and grass verges
- Tight scheduling to allow for minimal disruption to residents
The client required complete protection with no residual impact on infrastructure, as well as rapid site reinstatement once the lift was complete.
The Outcome
The Solution
Following in-depth site visits and consultation with the project team, JAK Hire implemented a phased surface protection strategy tailored to the site’s requirements:
- Pre-Lift (Day Before): Our team partially installed the temporary matting layout to protect key areas ahead of the main activity, ensuring minimal disruption to local access.
- Lift Day (Early Morning): We deployed the remaining mats before crane arrival, safeguarding all surfaces with multiple matting layers including heavy-duty roadway mats and stabilisation platforms.
- Post-Lift (Same Day): Once the crane had completed the lift and de-rigged, our team returned to remove all ground protection materials, allowing the road to fully reopen that same evening.
- Final Uplift (Next Day): All mats were collected, leaving the site clean and undisturbed.
This temporary access solution enabled a safe crane operation without compromising the site’s long-term condition. The project used over 150 mats, including layered configurations to distribute load and prevent surface deformation.
Complete coverage of vulnerable surfaces
Seamless coordination with the crane schedule
Zero damage to infrastructure
Road access fully restored within hours of crane departure
By providing a flexible, phased approach, JAK Hire minimised disruption to the neighbourhood while maintaining safety and operational efficiency on site.
Customer Experience
“We’ve worked with JAK Hire across several stages of this development, and their attention to detail has been exceptional throughout. For this final lift, their phased approach, clear communication, and respect for our tight timelines made all the difference. The ground protection was faultless – not a single mark left behind.”
“From the first site visit to the final uplift, JAK Hire delivered exactly what we needed – no fuss, no delays, just a solid, professional service. The team had everything in place well before the crane arrived, and the site was cleared down in record time. Couldn’t ask for more.”
Looking for ground protection solutions?
Whether you need temporary trackway for a civil engineering project, pedestrian walkways for a festival, or access routes for farm machinery, JAK Hire has the right matting for your needs. We work across the UK and offer both supply-only and full installation services, making ground protection simple and stress-free.