Why choose dry hire / self-installation?
Dry hire is a budget-friendly option. By removing installation, delivery, and collection costs, you only pay for the mats themselves. This makes ground protection mats a cost-saving alternative to aluminium or heavy-duty panels, particularly for short to medium-term projects up to 6 weeks.
Our mats are designed for fast installation. A team of four using a small forklift can lay approximately 80 mats (230m²) per hour, compared to just 20 alluminium panels (150m²) by a full heavy-duty crew. They can also be lifted and positioned by two people, making them ideal for sites with restricted access or limited machinery.
Dry hire allows you to manage your own schedule. Move mats around the site, reposition walkways, or adjust temporary car parks as your project evolves. The mats are ideal for events, festivals, construction, geotechnical surveys, landscaping, tree work, and film & TV production.
Pros and cons of dry hire / self-installation?
Pros:
- Lower cost without installation fees
- Utilise in-house staff or contractors
- Greater control over site layout and schedule
Cons:
- Requires trained staff for safe installation
- Equipment for lifting and positioning may be needed but not essential
- Full liability for installation and site safety sits with the hirer
At Davis Trackhire, we always provide a dry hire method statement for all of our ground protection products to ensure you have the guidance needed to install safely.
Ground protection mats: key details
- Load capacity: Up to 20 tonnes for pedestrian and medium-duty vehicle use
- Material: HDPE (high-density polyethylene), chemically inert and fully recyclable
- Common uses: Temporary access roads, site compounds, walkways, car parks
- Sectors: Construction, events, geotechnical surveys, plant hire, landscaping, film & TV
- Speed of installation: Approx. 170m² per hour for a small team
While they are a versatile, affordable solution, it’s important to remember they cannot replace heavy-duty aluminium panels where high load-bearing, long-term projects, or extreme ground conditions exist.
How Davis Trackhire supports dry hire clients
Even for dry hire, we offer guidance and support:
- Method statements for all ground protection products
- Advice on quantities, layout, and site preparation
- Tips for safe installation and recovery
Optional consultation to ensure your mats meet health and safety and ground protection standards
We can help you plan your temporary access routes, pedestrian paths, and site compounds, so you get maximum value from a dry hire arrangement.
“The mats were easy to install, flexible for our changing site layout, and saved us a significant amount on installation costs.”
Event manager, UK festival
Get a quick quote for trackway hire
Ready to hire ground protection mats on a dry hire basis? Contact our friendly team today to discuss your project, check availability, and receive expert advice. Simply fill the contact form or email us at info@davistrackhire.com.
Alternatively contact us on 01698 352751 for an immediate response.