Ground Protection Mat Connectors
Replacement and add-on locking hardware for ANVI HUANYU mats: bolts and plates that screw into the flexible panel and hold adjacent mats together as a continuous surface.
Connectors are small parts with an outsized effect on site performance. They stop adjacent panels separating under braking and turning, reduce edge lift, close trip hazards on pedestrian routes and limit mud pumping up through the joints. They are also the part most often lost between projects, which is why every order should include spares.
Our system is deliberately simple: a bolt and plate that screw into the panel through moulded holes. There is no complex tongue-and-groove profile to damage and no special tool required on site.
Connector selection
When ordering, tell us your mat thickness and size and whether the hardware is for a new shipment or an existing fleet. We will match the bolt length and confirm the quantity against your layout.
| Item | Used for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bolt-on locking set | Joining two or more mats at a seam | Select bolt length to match 12.7 / 15 / 20 mm thickness |
| Spare bolt and plate packs | Replacing lost or worn hardware | Recommended 5-10% spare on every order |
| Custom hole hardware | OEM panels with non-standard hole patterns | Specify hole diameter and spacing |
| Hand-hole grip inserts | Improving two-person handling | Optional; discuss at enquiry stage |
How many connectors do I need?
Count the joins in your layout rather than the number of mats. In a staggered two-row access road, each panel meets neighbours on its long and short edges, so the connector count is typically a multiple of the number of seams plus the perimeter. For a quick estimate, sketch the layout, mark every panel-to-panel joint and add one set per joint, then add 5-10% spares.
Send us the drawing and we will return an exact count with the quotation and include the hardware on the packing list.
Check bolt heads on public walkways. A connector that is correctly seated should sit flush with the tread; any protruding head on a pedestrian route should be re-seated before the area is opened.
Maintenance of the connection system
- Rinse mud and grit from holes before re-stacking mats, so bolts seat cleanly next time
- Inspect seams after the first day of trafficking and after heavy rain; re-tighten loose sets
- Replace deformed plates rather than over-tightening them
- Store spare hardware in a labelled container with the mat stack, not loose on site
Frequently Asked Questions
Will your connectors fit mats from another supplier?
They are designed for our 8-hole pattern. If you have an existing fleet, send the hole diameter, spacing and panel thickness and we will confirm compatibility or supply a matched set.
Do connectors come included with the mats?
Locking hardware is optional and quoted separately so you only pay for the quantity your layout needs. Request it with your mat order and we will include the correct count.
Can I buy spare bolts without ordering mats?
Yes. Spare bolt and plate packs are available as a standalone order. State your mat thickness and quantity.
How do I stop edges lifting on soft ground?
Connect the seams, stagger the rows, keep wheel loads off unsupported corners and consider a geotextile separation layer. If edges still lift, the panel is likely too thin for the subgrade – ask us about moving to 15 mm or 20 mm.
Related Resources
Need a mat specification for your site?
Tell us the equipment, ground condition and project duration. Our team will recommend the right size, thickness and connection layout, then send a quote with loading quantities and lead time.
Request a Quote Email albert@hdpegroundmat.com- Size and thickness recommendation for your load
- Loading plan, MOQ and lead time
- Samples and third-party test data on request