Skidder Mats

 

Portable Bridges For Logging Operations

Weighing approximately 4,000 lbs. each, Wheeler Panel-Lam Skidder Mats are easily handled with a standard pulp-wood loader for transportation to and from the logging site.  Steel eyes welded on both end plates make convenient attachment points for loading and unloading of the panels and for dragging to the crossing site.  Attention to detail ensures quality.

Panel-Lam Skidder Mats provide a convenient and low cost method of crossing small streams or wetlands with a skidder or truck without creating unnecessary environmental damage from blockage or silting of the stream.  The use of Panel-Lam Skidder Mats will help insure that BMP’s are observed.

Using the skidder blade, Panel-Lam Skidder Mats are easily installed on a mud sill.  For heavier duty application, they may be installed using a timber or log sill.  The steel end plates protect the mat when the mats must be dragged by the skidder to the crossing.  The mats may be attached to each other or end to end for use in crossing wetland areas.

BUILT FOR RUGGED USE

Wheeler has over 50 years of experience fabricating Panel-Lam timber bridges.  We have turned our expertise to skidding operations.  The rugged Panel-Lam skidder mat is designed by our engineers expressly for use at the logging site.  Wheeler knows panels have to be tough because of experience with our own logging operations.  Glued-laminated panels provide only an envelope of treatment on the exterior of a panel and may delaminate at the glue joints.  Wheeler Panel-Lam components are all individually pressure treated prior to machine laminating with steel dowels in Wheeler’s unique process.  Wheeler Panel-Lam Skidder Mats are made tough for repeated use in skidder operations.

LOAD CAPACITY

Engineered for skidders, or a wide variety of wheel loads.  All timber is treated with oil borne preservatives to AWPA specifications and is treated before fabrication to ensure maximum durability.  All metal dowels are machine pressed to insure proper load distribution.

FAILURE TO MACHINE PRESS DOWELS COULD RESULT IN FAILURE OF THE PANELS.

FAILURE TO TREAT WITH A PROPER WOOD PRESERVATIVE WILL RESULT IN LESS DURABILITY AND GREATER FRICTION OVER THE DECK.