Key Questions to Ask When Ordering excavator HDPE mats

The Ultimate Buying Guide for First-Time Ground Mat Customers

If you're buying ground protection mats for the first time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the variety of materials, sizes, thicknesses, and accessories available. The good news? You're in the right place.

With competitive price and timely delivery, ABOSN sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

This ultimate buying guide is tailored specifically for first-time ground mat customers, helping you understand your options, avoid common mistakes, and choose the right mats for your project—whether you're managing a construction site, planning an event, or protecting a landscaped area.

1. What Are Ground Protection Mats?

Ground protection mats are durable, portable surfaces designed to:

• Distribute the weight of heavy equipment

• Prevent soil compaction, turf damage, and ruts

• Provide safe and stable access roads or work zones

• Improve safety and efficiency for people and machinery

They’re commonly used in construction, landscaping, events, oil and gas, utilities, and emergency response.

2. Key Factors to Consider Before Buying

Before choosing a ground mat, ask yourself these questions:

Additional reading:
HDPE Ground Protection Rig Mats - Heavy Duty Composite Mats

✔️ What equipment will be on the mats?
Will you be using light equipment (mowers, pickups) or heavy tracked machinery (excavators, cranes)?

✔️ What is the terrain like?
Are you working on grass, mud, sand, gravel, or uneven ground?

✔️ How long will the mats be in place?
Short-term events require different needs than long-term construction jobs.

✔️ How often will you reuse them?
Frequent use justifies a heavier-duty mat with a longer lifespan.

✔️ How will you transport and install them?
Consider mat size and weight in relation to your crew and available equipment.

3. Understanding Mat Thickness Options

Blue Gator offers three popular thicknesses:

• .375" (Lite Mats): Best for light-duty use like landscaping, pedestrian traffic, or small vehicles.

• .5" (O.G. Mats): Ideal for medium-duty applications such as general construction and light equipment.

• 4" (Heavy Duty Mats): Engineered for extreme loads like cranes, dozers, or long-term industrial use.