MOT aggregates, short for Ministry of Transport aggregates, are granular sub-base materials that play a crucial role in the construction and civil engineering industry.
Two of the most frequently used MOT aggregates approved for use by the Ministry of Transport are MOT type 1 and MOT type 2. These differ in composition, grading, and strength, but what exactly is the difference between them, and which is most suited to your current project? Let’s take a look…
What is MOT Type 1?
MOT type 1, also known as hardcore, is a 0mm-40mm graded crushed stone mix typically consisting of granite, limestone, basalt, or gritstone. Thanks to its range of particle sizes, from 40mm down to dust, which fills voids effectively, this aggregate is easily compacted.
Key properties of MOT type 1:
- Compaction – The crushed stone and dust lock together well to form a strong and supportive base.
- High load-bearing capacity – Compaction makes for a stabler surface for supporting heavier loads, such as cars and lorries.
- Stable surface – Compact particles are less likely to be shifted by vibrations, heavy rains or frost thaws, contributing to a more reliable sub-base.
Uses of MOT Type 1
MOT type 1 is a sub-base ideally suited for heavy traffic areas, such as roads, car parks, driveways, and patios.
What is MOT Type 2?
MOT type 2 is a 0mm-20mm graded material. It differs from type 1 in that it’s made up of finer stones and particles, and is therefore less dense. MOT type 2 is usually composed of crushed concrete, brick, or recycled aggregate, fewer angular stones, and more clay and silt content rather than dust.
Key properties of MOT type 2:
- Looser compaction – This aggregate is fairly compact, although much less than type 1 due to its smaller particles.
- Strength – MOT type 2 has a lower load-bearing capacity compared to type 1 aggregate.
- Permeability – Due to its looser composition, this sub-base permits more water drainage.
Common Uses of MOT Type 2
MOT type 2 is reserved for areas where there’s lighter load bearing or adequate drainage is required. This may include footpaths, walkways, private driveways, or landscaping projects, among more. It can also be used to fill potholes or as a backfill material.
Which Material is Most Suitable for Me?
Determining which sub-base aggregate to use depends solely on the application in question. If you’re requiring a more compact base that can sustain heavy loads, such as for building roads, you’ll require MOT type 1. However, if drainage is especially important and a strong load-bearing capacity isn’t essential, such as for walkways, then MOT type 2 is much better suited.
Contact Us About Aggregates
Here at Grundy & Co, we’re specialists in recycled MOT type 1 aggregates, with over 40 years of invaluable experience in the industry.
To order your MOT type 1 recycled aggregate, call 0151 257 8816 to speak to the team in person or email sales@grundyandco.com. We’ll get back to you promptly to finalise your order and get it delivered to you as soon as possible..
No, a grab lorry is not designed for digging like an excavator or digger.
However, its hydraulic grab arm (grabber) can efficiently lift and remove pre-excavated or loose materials such as soil, rubble, and aggregates from the ground with ease.
It is possible to use a grab wagon to remove grass, turf with topsoil still attached, grass clippings, and other general garden waste.
However, grass and soil can be exceptionally heavy when wet, so be careful how much you load up – exceeding the capacity of the grab lorry (16 tonnes) can result in mechanical damage and load spillage.
Plus, some disposal sites need green (garden) waste to be separated from construction waste, so be sure to check before you load up!
Based in the North West, Grundy & Co can offer short- and long-term grab wagon hire anywhere within Merseyside and the surrounding areas, including Chester, the Wirral, St Helens, and Warrington.
To book a slot – which can be as little as an hour – or to ask any questions, call us on 0151 257 8816 or email sales@grundyandco.com.
Our experienced team can talk you through the whole process and book your vehicle if you decide to go ahead.
