Skid-Mate Pallet Pad - Blue (M8) - from 32kg to 57kg

Skid-Mate Blue M8 – reusable pallet damping element for heavier loads

Shock and vibration are the hidden cost of pallet transport. Forklift handling, dock transitions, and long road miles create repeated impacts that can damage sensitive equipment. A rigid pallet base transmits those forces straight into your load. Skid-Mate Blue is a compact, air-dampened pallet cushion that replaces standard wooden runners or sits under a skid frame, adding a controlled, damped interface between the floor and your shipment. It is built to reduce peak shock and continuous vibration, so valuable gear arrives in better condition.

This listing is for the Blue Skid-Mate with an M8 fitting, sold as the pad only. We supply it without screws and without the spacer. The spacer is available as a separate product when extra pallet-jack clearance is required. Our version keeps everything metric for European builds and mounting standards.

Why choose the Blue load class

Blue is designed for higher per-pad loading than Yellow, Green and Desert Tan. It is typically selected when your palletized load is heavier, or when you want fewer pads while staying within the ideal range. The Blue load range is 31.8–56.7 kg per pad. When each pad carries weight within this window, damping performance stays predictable and repeatable.

What Skid-Mate changes in real logistics

Many shippers try to solve transport shock with thicker crates or more foam inside the case. That helps, but it does not stop energy from reaching the pallet base. Skid-Mate works at the point where impacts start: the contact between pallet and floor. By adding an air-dampened cushion at the base, you reduce transmitted shock to the entire load. Uline specifically positions Skid-Mate as a way to cushion sensitive shipments and reduce the need for air-ride vans. 

The system is also designed for repeated use. Instead of disposable cushioning, you get a durable pad that mounts to the pallet base and can be reused across shipments. Schwering describes SkidMate elements as air-sprung, robust, and made from recycled plastic, intended for single-use or reusable packaging concepts. 

Dimensions and build details

Skid-Mate pads are compact, but sized to behave consistently under load. Each Blue Skid-Mate is Ø153 mm and 73 mm height. 

If you need more clearance for pallet trucks, the spacer increases overall height. Cushion + spacer = 102 mm (4"), and the spacer itself is not included. This matches the common use case: pads alone for most builds, spacer only when required by handling equipment. 

M8 mounting concept for European builds

The Blue M8 version is intended for metric mounting hardware. Pallet cushions include an M8 T-nut and are compatible with the matching spacer part. We sell the pad only, as mounting methods vary depending on pallet design, skid frame geometry, and the base you are attaching to.

Recommended approach

1. Start with one pad per corner of the pallet base or skid frame.
2. Estimate load per pad by dividing total load by pad count.
3. Keep each pad within the Blue range: 31.8–56.7 kg per pad.
4. Add pads if weight distribution is uneven or the center of gravity is high.
5. Use the separate spacer only if you need 102 mm total height.

Correct loading matters more than the number of straps or the thickness of the crate. When the pads are overloaded, they cannot damp as designed. When they are too lightly loaded, you may not get the intended response. The goal is simple: stable weight distribution and a predictable pad load.

You receive a Blue Skid-Mate pallet damping pad with an M8 fitting. No screws are included. No spacer is included. If you need the spacer, order it as a separate product.

Basic technical data

Practical notes

Use a rigid, well-supported pallet base and ensure full contact between pad and mounting surface. Avoid point loads and uneven pad heights. Inspect pads periodically in high-turn operations. If your shipment is extremely fragile, validate performance with a test shipment or drop/vibration testing. SkidMate is a modular system that can be configured for different weights and sensitivities, with test-oriented performance claims when correctly installed.