Rubber horse mats.

[aczlan]

There is a new kind of visegrip for use with nuts and bolts, that may be helpful with the chain on method.
It has a cutout in the lower jaw (to fit around the hexes), that would act as a space for the chain to fit into, making the rest of the jaw more able to clamp onto the mat.
It also works great for odd sizes of nuts and bolts.
I'll see if I can find the link where I bought it on sale, if anyone is interested.
Thomas

The 7LW? Vise-Grip 7LW Locking Wrench With Wire Cutter - Amazon.com

Aaron Z

 

[bcp]

Welding Vise Grip might work, too.

Mainlandtool. Vise-Grip 9R 9-Inch Locking Welding Clamp



You could sharper the straight teeth so they slip under the mat easily.

Bruce

 

[QRTRHRS]

I bought a compactor from Harbour Freight on special some years back. Mostly is sits but I figure the rental fees and conveniance are worth having it around. Moving stall mats, especially soiled is one of those jobs that you just go at it and get it done then head for the shower, lol!

 

[PhysAssist]

The 7LW? Vise-Grip 7LW Locking Wrench With Wire Cutter - Amazon.com

Aaron Z

Yes, but I must be losing it 'cause I was sure it was the bottom that was cut out? =-O

 

[PhysAssist]

I bought a compactor from Harbour Freight on special some years back. Mostly is sits but I figure the rental fees and conveniance are worth having it around. Moving stall mats, especially soiled is one of those jobs that you just go at it and get it done then head for the shower, lol!

I agree with your last statement, but why not make it as easy and simple as possible, vs. wrestling slick, pee and manure-covered heavy rubber?

As to your comment re: the compactor, begging your pardon, but what has that to do with this thread?

Thanks,
Thomas

 

[arrow]

My wife is constantly wanting to move these things. They weigh about 50 pounds each and are like trying to handle warm jello. We have bought a couple of the plastic mat grabbers. These things work well for a couple of times and then they are toast. I've tried rolling these things up, hog tying them, and putting them in a loader bucket. That works very poorly. I've tried sumo wrestling them into the back of a pick up truck. That's even worse. I have tried c-clamps and vise grips. I'm thinking about buying some bolt on pallet forks for my loader and trying that next. Any help would be appreciated.

These things are cantankerous. Wrestled with them for 25 years and as soon as we sold all the horses,stall mats, stalls, doors etc, etc, I found these. Whistle, go to this url and see if these would be pertinent for you: EZ Grip Mat Mover - StableComfort

 

[Beltman60]

I use a pair of cant twist clamps and a chain
tighten them up put the chain though them and attach to my hooks on my fel
move them all the time

I hate those plastic grips they just don't work at all

 

[QRTRHRS]

I agree with your last statement, but why not make it as easy and simple as possible, vs. wrestling slick, pee and manure-covered heavy rubber?

As to your comment re: the compactor, begging your pardon, but what has that to do with this thread?

Thanks,
Thomas

whstlepig mentioned that he rented a compactor when he put in his base material prior to the mats. I would suggest that most mats are put down over a bed of stone and/or stone dust. Compacting the base makes a much better job. Since the stall floors need occasional maintenance, I decided I could justify spending 500 (on special) for an HF compactor. It does good enough

 

[whistlepig]

These things are cantankerous. Wrestled with them for 25 years and as soon as we sold all the horses,stall mats, stalls, doors etc, etc, I found these. Whistle, go to this url and see if these would be pertinent for you: EZ Grip Mat Mover - StableComfort

I have used these. Several of them. They have serrated plastic gripping teeth and they work great for about 30 minutes. After these serrated plastic teeth get dull they are worthless.

 

[JimRB]

Our horses tend to be outside where they belong. Stall mats in half the stalls. Other half the stalls as money and inclination align. Shavings or pellets on the mats. Granted the oldest mats are just 3 years old they went down and stayed down. Why do you move mats?