< Help Menu

MUD-TRAKS^® is a lightweight, high strength Portable Roadway System for cemeteries, designed to provide quick access while protecting the lawn from damage by vehicle traffic. MUD-TRAKS are made from space-age, composite fiber materials strong enough to "bridge" the weight of a vehicle over soft ground areas, and to provide years of service.

MUD-TRAKS^® is actually a system, made up of several products. MUD-TRAKS are the mats. JACK PADS go under the backhoe outriggers. RUBBER PADS protect stone and bronze markers. C-CHANNELS are used in conjunction with MUD-TRAKS as a grave cover system. And, DOZER MATS go under the backhoe front bucket to protect the lawn.

Cemeteries have used plywood for years, because there wasn't anything else. But, now plywood is the most expensive solution in the long run because it doesn't last. Using MUD-TRAKS, you save four ways: First, they last for years because they don't absorb water and rot; Second, they are strong and have a good traction surface, no downtime; Third, they prevent damage to the lawn by spreading the vehicle load; and Fourth, the light weight and ease of handling makes them easier to use and prevents injury before it happens.

1. 2' wide board. We also make 45" X 8' and 22" X 8' models. But, we recommend 32" wide X 8' long. A convenient size that considers weight and adds a little bit of width for the driver. MUD-TRAKS are going to last a long time, get the size you really need.

   A full sheet of 3/4" plywood weighs 67 lbs. dry and 118 lbs. soaking wet. Wet plywood is slippery, hard to pick up, takes (2) two men to handle it, loses 30% of its' strength and, no matter what you do, it's going to rot.

   MUD-TRAKS are light enough for (1) one man to carry, has convenient hand cutouts, a textured surface on both sides for traction, does not absorb water, does not rot, and comes with pins for "staking" to the ground when driving up steep grades. Add optional spikes for hillsides.

2. Jack Pads: Backhoes come with one of three style of outrigger. Either a flat steel plate, a rubber "street pad", or some type of "dig in" device so the tractor can secure itself to the ground. For the rubber "street pad" or a combination unit, you can use MUD-TRAKS or Jack Pads under the outriggers to keep from tearing up the lawn. Sizes: 24" square or 32" square.

3. Dozer Mats: I know you don't use bulldozers, but we have another product that is sold to people who do. And, it has a perfect application for cemeteries. It's used under the front bucket to keep from tearing up the ground. Saves it's cost many times over.

4. C-Channels: For temporary cover of an open grave so people won't fall in, we make a "C" Channel out of the same material as MUD-TRAKS . Lay 4 of these channels across the width of the open grave. Place MUD-TRAKS over these channels so there's at least 6" of overlap on the ground on all sides. Pin the mats to the ground with the "stakes" so nothing can move. You've got a cover that will hold the weight of as many people as can stand on the mats. You'll still need to place a warning sign. So! Channels are NOT the complete system, but a very important part of it.

   If using MUD-TRAKS as a grave cover is something you'd be interested in doing, keep in mind that a cover has to be at least 6" over on each side. So, an 8' grave needs a mat at least 9' long. We can make mats 2' X 9', 32" X 9'. We also offer single piece Grave Covers, 4' X 9', 5' X 10'.

5. When laying MUD-TRAKS, overlap them about 6". Always overlap in the direction you're driving. The mat you're driving on holds down the tip of the next mat so the "tips" don't flex up and catch the underside of the backhoe. Tip control is 95% of field problems.

6. Use low gear and a steady accelerator. If the driver guns the motor, tractor wins every time. Don't stand behind the tractor.

7. MUD-TRAKS are "traction" mats and have a very rough textured surface on both sides. With our new process the edges are smooth and there is only a slight chance of getting cut or fiberglass splinter. We do recommend hand and eye protection as a safety precaution.

8. Clean the mats with a water hose and elbow grease.

9. Even though we use UV inhibitors in the mats, the sun finally gets to them. Life expectancy can be greatly increased if the mats are stored inside or covered from direct sunlight.

10. How many should you buy? The easy answer is, "buy all you want, we'll make more". The logical answer is, " replace the plywood you're using now".

©2004 SVE Sales. All rights reserved.