"Mud Grids" Stabilize Soft Ground
High-traffic or poor drainage areas can be easily stabilized with new interlocking grid panels that install just under the surface of the ground. Imported from Germany by a Vancouver, B.C., based company, the poly panels are being used in and around barns, in riding arenas or golf courses, driveways, and many other areas.
Called "HIT-GRID," the product is made from recycled polyethylene, and comes in 10.33-sq. ft. sheets - consisting of four panels. Each sheet weighs only 15 lbs., according to Hank Andresen, owner.
"Horses don't like to leave the area where HIT-GRID is located because it is cushioned," he says. "In stalls, the grids don't trap the wetness like rubber mats, so the bedding stays drier. Also, the area can easily be cleaned out with a flat shovel or tractor blade.
"When installed with a fill layer of topsoil and planted with grass seed or sod, high traffic will not cause wear on the grass because the roots are protected," Andresen says.
"You can fill the grids with sand for walkway, driveway or patio use, and it can be used alternately with grass and gravel to form stepping stones."
To install the tough and flexible sheets for livestock areas, Andresen recommends that the ground first be leveled with a gradient of approximately one percent. To stabilize the subsoil, it may be necessary in some cases to lay down a fleece membrane before spreading a layer of 3/4-in. to 3/8-in. crushed gravel to serve as a load-bearing layer. This should be 6 to 12 in. deep, and also have a one percent gradient.
Once this area is smoothed and compacted, the HIT-GRID is laid down and compacted into the gravel layer.
The panels have a load-bearing capacity (based on a gravel foundation) of up to 35,000 lbs. per sq. ft.
Andresen points out that the HIT-GRID system can stand up to expansion and contraction in various temperatures and ground conditions.
It costs roughly $2.10 to $2.20 (U.S.) per sq. ft., plus shipping, and is available from dealers in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, and Texas. More distributors are welcome.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, HIT North American Office, A Division of Andresen International, 390 Monteray Ave., N. Vancouver, B.C., Canada V7N 3E8 (ph 604 980-8536; fax 604 980-8540; email: hit@shaw.ca; website; www.HIT-HorseConsult.de; www.wirthstockfarmsinc.com; or www.hitgrid.com).
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"Mud Grids" Stabilize Soft Ground MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 28-4-40 High-traffic or poor drainage areas can be easily stabilized with new interlocking grid panels that install just under the surface of the ground. Imported from Germany by a Vancouver, B.C., based company, the poly panels are being used in and around barns, in riding arenas or golf courses, driveways, and many other areas.
Called "HIT-GRID," the product is made from recycled polyethylene, and comes in 10.33-sq. ft. sheets - consisting of four panels. Each sheet weighs only 15 lbs., according to Hank Andresen, owner.
"Horses don't like to leave the area where HIT-GRID is located because it is cushioned," he says. "In stalls, the grids don't trap the wetness like rubber mats, so the bedding stays drier. Also, the area can easily be cleaned out with a flat shovel or tractor blade.
"When installed with a fill layer of topsoil and planted with grass seed or sod, high traffic will not cause wear on the grass because the roots are protected," Andresen says.
"You can fill the grids with sand for walkway, driveway or patio use, and it can be used alternately with grass and gravel to form stepping stones."
To install the tough and flexible sheets for livestock areas, Andresen recommends that the ground first be leveled with a gradient of approximately one percent. To stabilize the subsoil, it may be necessary in some cases to lay down a fleece membrane before spreading a layer of 3/4-in. to 3/8-in. crushed gravel to serve as a load-bearing layer. This should be 6 to 12 in. deep, and also have a one percent gradient.
Once this area is smoothed and compacted, the HIT-GRID is laid down and compacted into the gravel layer.
The panels have a load-bearing capacity (based on a gravel foundation) of up to 35,000 lbs. per sq. ft.
Andresen points out that the HIT-GRID system can stand up to expansion and contraction in various temperatures and ground conditions.
It costs roughly $2.10 to $2.20 (U.S.) per sq. ft., plus shipping, and is available from dealers in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, and Texas. More distributors are welcome.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, HIT North American Office, A Division of Andresen International, 390 Monteray Ave., N. Vancouver, B.C., Canada V7N 3E8 (ph 604 980-8536; fax 604 980-8540; email: hit@shaw.ca; website; www.HIT-HorseConsult.de; www.wirthstockfarmsinc.com; or www.hitgrid.com).
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