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Ensuring reliable access to remote infrastructure sites is a primary challenge for the telecoms industry. When deploying new mast installations, contractors often face soft ground conditions, sensitive agricultural environments, and the logistical pressure of tight project deadlines. At Notus Ground Safe, we provide specialized trackway hire solutions designed to overcome these hurdles, ensuring that heavy plant and machinery can operate safely and efficiently without damaging the underlying terrain.
Our recent project in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, serves as a prime example of how professional ground protection mats hire can facilitate critical infrastructure works. Following a busy bank holiday weekend, our team mobilised to install a temporary access road for the first phase of a new telecoms mast installation.
The project site was located in an open agricultural setting, typical of many rural telecoms builds. While the location offered the necessary height and clearance for the new mast, the access route was entirely over soft grass ground with no existing hardstanding or permanent road infrastructure.
The primary objective was to create a stable, reliable surface that could withstand the movement of a Manitou MT 420H telehandler and various support vehicles without causing soil compaction or surface rutting.
Telecoms groundwork is rarely straightforward. In this instance, the ground conditions were particularly soft following significant spring rainfall. Despite the high temperatures at the time of installation, the moisture content within the soil meant that any heavy vehicle movement would have immediately resulted in deep ruts and potential vehicle entrapment.
For the client, a stable access route was a non-negotiable requirement from day one. The project involved a 4-tonne telehandler and several plant vehicles that needed to traverse the site repeatedly. Without adequate ground protection, the site would have quickly become a quagmire, leading to:
To address these challenges, Notus Ground Safe deployed our Notus HD panels. These are high-density polyethylene (HDPE) panels specifically engineered for heavy-duty applications, including utilities and renewables projects where heavy plant access is required on sensitive ground.
Efficiency was a key driver for this project. To ensure the trackway was ready for the contractor’s arrival, we utilised a Manitou MT 420H equipped with a bespoke Notus clamp system.
Traditional manual handling of heavy-duty mats can be slow and physically demanding. By using our mechanical clamp system, we eliminated the need for manual handling, significantly increasing the speed of deployment while enhancing site safety. This allowed the temporary road to be operational ahead of the contractor's scheduled start time.
The Notus HD panels were chosen for their exceptional load-bearing capacity. Rated to support up to 205.1 tonnes (CBR10), these panels provide a rigid, interlocking surface that spreads the weight of heavy axles over a wide area. This prevents the "point loading" that causes traditional ground failure.
For professionals planning similar infrastructure projects, the technical specifications of our ground protection mats hire are essential for ensuring site suitability.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | HDPE (100% recyclable) |
| Dimensions | 3,000 mm × 2,500 mm × 38 mm |
| Weight | 295 kg per panel |
| Usable surface area | 7.5 m² per panel |
| Panel bearing load | Up to 12 tonnes per axle |
| Max allowable force | 205.1 tonnes (CBR10) |
| Yield strength | 32 MPa |
| Surface | Chevron traction pattern |
| Installation | Manitou MT 420H with bespoke Notus clamp system |
The results in Doncaster were exactly what the client required. The temporary access road remained fully operational throughout the first phase of the mast installation. Despite the repetitive tracking of the Manitou telehandler and support plant, there was no ground failure or rutting observed.
One of the most significant benefits of using Notus HD panels is the "clean exit." Once the work was completed, the panels were removed as efficiently as they were installed. Because the panels distributed the weight so effectively, the underlying grass remained in excellent condition. This prevented any need for expensive reinstatement work and ensured the landowner was satisfied with the site's condition upon handover.
The Doncaster case study highlights why proactive trackway hire is a critical component of modern infrastructure projects. Whether you are installing a new mast, upgrading a substation, or conducting maintenance on remote utility assets, the benefits of professional ground protection are clear:
At Notus Ground Safe, we understand that every project has unique access requirements. That is why we offer free site surveys to assess ground conditions and determine the most effective matting solution for your specific needs. Our 20+ years of industry experience ensures that we can handle everything from small access paths to large-scale multi-area installations.
The Doncaster project demonstrates that even with soft ground and heavy plant requirements, a successful outcome is possible with the right preparation. By choosing Notus Ground Safe for your ground protection mats hire, you are investing in a solution that prioritizes efficiency, safety, and land preservation.
If you are planning a project that requires temporary access roads or heavy-duty ground protection, contact our expert team today for a fast, competitive quote.