The Challenge: Military Testing with the Royal Engineers
To assess the durability and versatility of MaxiTrack, GroundGuards invited the Royal Engineers at Ripon Barracks to put the matting system through its paces.
The goal was to simulate military conditions and find out whether MaxiTrack could reliably support heavy-duty vehicles, including tanks and diggers, while remaining easy to deploy and recover. The test also aimed to explore the product’s suitability for temporary logistics depots, landing pads, base areas, and rough terrain access routes in challenging military environments.
The GroundGuards Solution: MaxiTrack Under Pressure
The test began with the Royal Engineers unloading the MaxiTrack stillages using a JCB Telehandler. The mats were swiftly connected to form a large pad area, thanks to MaxiTrack’s interlocking design and lightweight construction, allowing fast handling by just two people.
With the groundworks in place, the team moved on to the main test. A series of military vehicles, including trucks, diggers, and an armoured Terrier Tank, drove repeatedly over the mats to assess performance. The Terrier Tank carried out a sequence of manoeuvres — twists, turns, slews and sharp accelerations — across the mats, pushing the system to its limits.
Throughout the test, the mats held firm. Grip was maintained even during aggressive vehicle movement, and no mud seepage was observed.
Results & Outcome: No Damage, Full Confidence
After extensive testing, the MaxiTrack mats showed no signs of damage or deformation. The grassed area underneath remained undisturbed, and the system was recovered quickly and cleanly.
The Royal Engineers were highly impressed. One of the team members commented:
“The product is very very good; lightweight, easy to handle by two people, it fits together quickly and can also be recovered very quickly too.”
Their feedback highlighted the efficiency of the system in military scenarios, reinforcing MaxiTrack’s value for rapid deployment and recovery in demanding environments.
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Get in Touch for Military-Grade Ground Protection
If your project demands rapid deployment, heavy-duty performance and minimal ground impact, GroundGuards can help. Our expert team has the tools and knowledge to support even the most rigorous field operations. Contact us today to find the right ground protection solution for your military or emergency project.
