Installing rubber matting on your cow yard doesn’t just help decrease the risk of falls and injuries but it can also cut down time spent on maintenance work and reduce related costs in the long run.
With all the great benefits and features of rubber matting, one of the most common questions we get asked when farmers contact us about rubber matting in their cow yard is “How much is it going to cost?”, so we’re here today to help answer that question.
Rubber matting for your yard could cost anywhere between $75 – $100 per m2 depending on a few key factors. The number one main factor that will impact the price of your cow yard is the quality of the mats.
Not all black mats are the same, and there is a lot of variety in the thickness, design, material, and process of installation that can impact the price and the endurance of your rubber covered cow yard.
The 5 main things that define the quality of the mats are as follows:
- The durability. How well do the mats withstand wear, pressure, damage, and impact? Is it going to stay looking and feeling secure and comfortable?
- The design. Is it studded on the underside? Studded mats add extra cushioning and feel more pasture-like for the cows. It’s also important to consider whether the design is easy to clean, or does it hold onto dirt in small crevices?
- MPA rating. Lower scoring MPA products will wear or stretch sooner than those with a higher MPA.
- Abrasion resistance test score. This tests the rubber mat’s ability to withstand wear and tear from repetitive impact.
- What level of warranty security do the mats have. This will give you a good indication of the quality and longevity of the mats.
A few other things that might impact cost and quality are manufacturing and installation.
When picking your rubber mats, it’s important to check what kind of manufacturing process the rubber has gone through. What type of interlock joining system is being used (moulded or waterjet cut)? Water jet cut rubber mats are tighter and stronger. Numat’s range of rubber mats are all custom cut here in New Zealand using a water jet, ensuring the rubber mats keep their structural integrity.
Finally, do you have the capability or time to install the rubber surface yourself?
The interlocking system cut into our rubber mats makes it easy for you to surface your cow yard DIY style while still getting a seamless result. However, you can always arrange to have a team of experienced installers come and do the job. This could cost anywhere between $10 – $25 per m2 and varies according to your proximity, the condition of your yard, and how big your yard is. As you could expect, larger yards are more economical per square meter than smaller yards.