If a project needs plant access across a river or waterway where there’s no bridge, the answer often comes down to how the pontoon underneath is configured and double-stacking is one of the simplest ways to significantly increase what it can safely carry.
A Recent Example: Box Hill Park, Surrey
Box Hill Park in Surrey is well known for its views over the Surrey countryside, and it was also the site of a recent project for our team. Remedial works were being carried out to the footpaths leading up to the viewpoint at the top, and the works required plant access across the River Mole. With no existing crossing suitable for the job, our modular pontoons were installed across the width of the river to create a temporary access route.
Why Double-Stack a Pontoon?
A standard single layer of pontoon has a safe working load of 175kg per square metre enough for pedestrian traffic and lighter equipment, but not always sufficient for heavier plant. By double-stacking the modules, the safe working load capacity increases to 350kg per square metre, doubling what the platform can support.
This makes double-stacking a straightforward solution whenever a project needs to get excavators, telehandlers, or other heavy plant across water, without the time or cost of installing a permanent structure. Read more about pontoon hire for mechanised plant and excavators →
How Is the Load Capacity Calculated?
Every project is different, and the right configuration depends on more than just the overall weight of the plant crossing, axle loads, ground pressure, and how the load is distributed across the platform all play a part. Our technical team can advise on loading design and calculations → for your specific equipment and site conditions.
FAQs
What is a double-stacked pontoon?
A double-stacked pontoon is a modular floating platform built from two layers of pontoon units, stacked on top of each other to increase buoyancy and safe working load capacity.
How much weight can a double-stacked pontoon hold?
A standard single-layer pontoon has a safe working load of 175kg per square metre. Double-stacking increases this to 350kg per square metre, making it suitable for heavier plant such as excavators, telehandlers, and MEWPs.
Do I always need to double-stack for plant access?
Not necessarily; it depends on the weight and footprint of the equipment involved. We’ve covered this in more detail here →, including what information we need to specify the right configuration for your machine.
Get a Quote
If your project needs plant access across water, get in touch with our team to talk through the load requirements and site conditions.
