MaxiTrack Crane Access Mats for Seating Installation at Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds
Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds needed to install new seating following the construction of two new grandstands. The lift required a 35-tonne GVW crane with a 90-tonne lifting capacity to operate on the stadium turf. The key requirement was to support heavy lifting equipment without damaging the carefully maintained pitch, using a solution that was cost-effective, reliable, and quick to install.
The Challenge: Heavy Crane Operations on a High-Value Sports Surface
Crane movements and setup on turf can quickly cause rutting, compaction, and lasting damage, particularly when the machine needs to reposition during the job. With a prestigious sports surface to protect, the working platform had to be stable and secure, while also allowing rapid changes to mat layout as the lift plan progressed.
Our Solution: MaxiTrack Mats for a Repositionable Crane Working Platform
Having used MaxiTrack previously at the venue, the contractor requested GroundGuards support again and selected MaxiTrack heavy-duty trackway mats for the crane platform and pitch protection.
Hand-Installable Mats with Heavy-Duty Performance
Each MaxiTrack mat weighs 40kg, enabling two people to lift and install the system by hand. Despite being man-portable, MaxiTrack is designed to withstand vehicles up to 130 tonnes, providing a robust base for heavy equipment operating on sensitive ground.
A Flexible Platform as the Crane Moved Position
A firm working platform was laid quickly to support the crane. As the crane repositioned during the seating installation, mats were lifted and reused to maintain safe access and stable working areas across the pitch where required.
Results: 312 Mats Hired, Lifts Completed, and Turf Left Undamaged
A total of 312 MaxiTrack mats were hired for one week. The crane completed its lifting operations successfully, and the turf remained undamaged throughout.
Using MaxiTrack helped avoid expensive remediation and supported an on-schedule seating installation. The client valued the speed of installation and the practicality of a reusable protection system for heavy lifting on turf.
Key Lessons for Crane Operations on Turf and Sports Pitches
- Protect high-value turf before crane mobilisation to avoid rutting and compaction that can be costly to reinstate.
- Use man-portable mats where fast installation is required and where the platform may need to change as lifts progress.
- Specify mats designed to stay stable under heavy loads to support safe lifting operations.
- Repositionable systems reduce downtime when cranes need to move between lift locations.
- Short-term hire can be a cost-effective way to protect sensitive surfaces for intensive, time-bound works.
Speak to GroundGuards About Crane Access Mats and Heavy Lifting Platforms
If you need to operate cranes or heavy machinery without risking ground damage, GroundGuards can help. We supply proven ground protection mats and practical advice to keep lifting operations stable, safe, and efficient. Contact our team to discuss your site requirements.
