Military surplus sand tracks

[Chris_McCracken]

Hey, I found something that I thought you guys might find interesting. I've been searching for "sand tracks" for awhile, and the closest I've found are absurdly expensive ones from Britain, or "waffles" - also absurdly expensive. I just found a military surplus place that sells them (used) in several different sizes (from 16"x5' to 20"x11'11") starting at ~$17. http://www.whiteowl.com/equipment.html (Landing mats)

[ScottG]

They've got some pretty cool trucks for sale also

[XMan9]

what are you going to use those for?

[Chris_McCracken]

Not sure yet, I haven't gotten myself stuck I'd like to carry them for extreme muddy conditions, or if they're string enough, I could use them as bridging ladders to go across ruts that I couldn't otherwise cross. In theory, they're for sand, but not sand near Missouri.

[ToeJam]

I like those.....when we get snow around here, it is usually near the 32 degree mark, which means it quickly melts and re-freezes when cars drive over it. Those could be great for getting out of slick icy conditions (as well as the sand and mud).....too bad they look pretty rusted. No wonder they're so cheap.

[superjens]

I think I could have used some of those last Saturday. I was on a narrow snow covered trail, my ass end started sliding off the edge towards a cold-looking pond. At least if I had those ramps I could have smacked myself on the head with them for getting in that position in the first place.

[Kerensky97]

I'm sure they have less rusted ones.

But I'm not sure how much weight they can support, maybe a couple hundred pounds but not an Xterra.

Maybe some reinforcements welded on?

[rrdstarr]

They aren't made to suspend, like a bridge, just give the X traction. I saw them used in Kenya a couple times with Rover 110's.

[O1SalsaX]

Thanx for the link. I've been looking for those for the past month. I was looking into going through a steel shop to order the pieces. unfortunately they want about $195 for (2) 1'X5' pieces of stainless steel
open grating, and of course truck freight was like $85.
I'm going to probably weld up some 1x1 box steel tubing and make them into Bridging ladders. They are quite useful. As far as Land Rover, The Sand ladders are a mere $229, with an $89 mounting kit, and the Bridging ladders were $429, $89 mounting kit..
I think I'll buy these and have them sand blasted and powder coated for 1/4 the price of the Land rover ones..
Thanx again. You saved me a lot of searching..
L8r
Ken

[OffroadX]

The 12" landing mat looks like it might be usable as a bridge. It's double-wall steel, 145 lbs. each. That's a lot to lug around though.

Brent

[Chris_McCracken]

Well, I just called the guy and ordered 2 5' sections. In the pictures, i thought the 10' looked like stronger construction than the 5', but he said the 5' is just the 10' cut in half. I think I might steal Salsa's idea about welding on supports for bridging use, that would work well I think. He said that they are all new, never been used, but they have been stored outside. Structurally, they are in good condition, but they have some surface rust. Now if I can just find enough Rust-Oleum...

[O1SalsaX]

Just goto your local speed shop and get some POR-15. Then paint right over the rust. That stuff kicks major ass!! I've used it on rusted frames. The only thing that you should do before brushing or spraying it on is maybe wire brush the piece just to get the loose stuff off, so the paint has something to bite onto.
How much was shipping? Did you have to have it sent via truck freight or will UPS suffice?
I'll be ordering my pieces this week. I'd appreciate any info about shipping. Im in NY. Thanx
L8r
Ken

[ToeJam]

If they do just have surface rust, then I'm very interested. When I see rust and no one has any experience with the seller or the product, I just assume the worst. Be sure to toss up pics once you get them.....

[Chris_McCracken]

No way am I wasting POR-15 on those things, that stuff's expensive! They're just going to get beat to shit anyway, so I'll just use some cheap paint to keep the rust from growing on them. Not sure on shipping, but he said he should be able to get them out UPS. He won't know the $$ until UPS takes it. He said he's never had anyone order "just two", so he usually ships a ton of them truck freight. I'll definately post when I get them.

[Chris_McCracken]

Received today. These things are REALLY DAMN HEAVY!! Haven't gotten 'em unwrapped yet, but I can tell the steel is quite thick (a little more than 1/8" I believe) and they do not flex at all. More to follow with pictures.