Why One Trackway Grab Doesn't Fit Every Trackway Mat
Updated: Sep 1
If you've ever handled different brands of trackway mats, you'll know they're rarely the same.
Widths vary. Profiles differ. Connection systems change. Some mats are heavier, some are deeper, and many require slightly different clamping positions for safe handling.
The problem? Many Trackway Grabs are designed around a single type of mat.
At Autoguide Equipment, we saw this challenge becoming increasingly common. Contractors weren't asking for another Trackway Grab. They were asking for one attachment capable of handling more than one type of trackway mat.
That's why we're delighted to introduce the new Autoguide Multi-Grab, developed in collaboration with Voltage Solutions.
The Challenge with Modern Trackway Mats
The trackway mat market has evolved rapidly over recent years.
Rather than a handful of standard designs, operators now work with a wide variety of trackway mat manufacturers, each with their own dimensions and construction.
For companies managing large fleets or working across multiple customers, changing attachments simply because the trackway mat changes costs valuable time.
We believed there was a better solution.
A Trackway Grab Designed Around Flexibility
Instead of designing another grab for a single style of mat, we started with a simple question:
"What if one Trackway Grab could safely handle almost everything?"
The result is the Autoguide Multi-Grab.
Developed alongside Voltage Solutions, the Multi-Grab has been engineered with a substantially wider clamping range, allowing operators to handle a much broader selection of trackway mats using a single attachment.
With an adjustable clamping width of 1,750 mm to 3,000 mm, it offers exceptional flexibility without compromising the strength or durability expected from Autoguide equipment.
More Than Just a Wider Grab
A wider opening is only part of the story.
A good Trackway Grab also needs to provide:
Consistent hydraulic clamping force
Positive grip across different mat profiles
Accurate positioning
Robust construction for demanding environments
Long service life with minimal maintenance
These principles have shaped the entire Autoguide Trackway Grab range from the beginning. Every model is designed to lift and position trackway mats safely while reducing manual handling and improving efficiency.
Developed with Industry Experience
The best engineering projects happen when manufacturers work closely with end users.
Our partnership with Voltage Solutions brought together practical, day-to-day experience of handling trackway mats with Autoguide's design and manufacturing expertise.
The result isn't simply a larger grab. It's a purpose-built attachment designed to solve a genuine operational problem faced by contractors every day.
Is the Multi-Grab Right for You?
If your business only handles one style of trackway mat, a standard Trackway Grab may be all you need.
However, if you regularly work with multiple mat types, hire equipment to different customers or simply want greater flexibility from a single attachment, the Multi-Grab could eliminate the need for multiple dedicated grabs.
It provides the versatility to handle a wider range of trackway mats while retaining the build quality, hydraulic performance and reliability that Autoguide products are known for.
Built for the Future of Trackway Mat Handling
As the range of available trackway mats continues to grow, handling equipment needs to evolve with it.
The Autoguide Multi-Grab represents the next step in that evolution. Designed and manufactured in the UK, it gives operators one adaptable solution for handling a broad variety of trackway mats, helping improve efficiency without sacrificing strength or control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trackway Grabs and Trackway Mat Handling
How do you know whether a Trackway Grab is compatible with your trackway mats?
Compatibility depends on more than simply whether the grab can open wide enough to accommodate the mat. Trackway mats can differ in width, depth, profile, weight and connection design, all of which can affect where and how securely they can be clamped. The grab therefore needs to provide a positive grip while maintaining suitable positioning and hydraulic clamping force for the particular mat being handled. Contractors working with several mat manufacturers should check the full range of mat dimensions within their fleet rather than specifying an attachment around just one type. This helps avoid situations where a grab physically fits a mat but is not properly suited to handling it.
When is a Multi-Grab more practical than a standard Trackway Grab?
A standard Trackway Grab can be a practical choice when an operator consistently handles one style and size of trackway mat. A Multi-Grab becomes more useful when contractors regularly move between different mat types, work for multiple customers or manage mixed trackway fleets. Autoguide's Multi-Grab provides an adjustable clamping width from 1,750 mm to 3,000 mm, allowing one attachment to accommodate a broader selection of mats. Reducing the need to change between dedicated grabs can save handling time and simplify equipment requirements across different projects. The decision should ultimately be based on the variety of mats the operator actually handles rather than choosing greater adjustment simply because it is available.
Why is clamping range not the only consideration when choosing a Trackway Grab?
A wide clamping range provides flexibility, but the attachment still needs to grip, lift and position different mat profiles effectively. Consistent hydraulic clamping force is important because variations in mat dimensions can change the points at which the grab makes contact. Accurate positioning and robust construction also become particularly important when the same attachment is expected to perform across different mats and demanding working environments. Durability and maintenance requirements should therefore be considered alongside the minimum and maximum clamping widths. Looking at the complete handling requirements helps operators choose an attachment for reliable everyday use rather than judging suitability from opening width alone.
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