AST Sherpa for faster, safer and more repeatable EPDM ice-mat handling
AST Sherpa is a battery-powered handling machine developed for rolling, unrolling and moving EPDM ice mats during mobile-rink installation and dismantling. Its value is not in refrigeration performance; it is in reducing labour, handling inconsistency and avoidable mechanical stress during repeated seasonal work.
SPORTWAVE evaluates Sherpa as part of the complete mobile-rink logistics model: rink size, number of installations per year, crew size, storage, transport and the value of reducing installation and dismantling time.
AST Sherpa — key technical data
| Battery | 36 V / 15.6 Ah lithium |
| Battery energy | 561.6 Wh |
| Motor | 350 W, 36 V DC |
| Dimensions | Approx. 900 × 600 × 1,100 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 52 kg |
| Maximum roll diameter | 600 mm |
| Core diameter | 180 mm |
| Rolling speed | 38 rpm |
| Compatible AST mat formats | AST 120/6 and AST 120/8, up to 30 m mat length |
| Manufacturer operating reference | AST states that one fully charged battery can roll a mat field of approximately 1,000 m² under suitable conditions. |
Source: AST Sherpa technical brochure. Manufacturer figures should be checked against the current supplied version before procurement.
When Sherpa is worth considering
- Large EPDM rink fields — more mat area means more repeated rolling and unrolling.
- Recurring seasonal rinks — labour savings repeat every year.
- Rental fleets — the same crew may install and dismantle several rinks each season.
- Small installation crews — mechanical assistance reduces dependence on heavy manual handling.
- Tight installation windows — repeatable deployment helps protect the opening schedule.
- Owned seasonal systems — consistent rolling improves storage and next-season preparation.
For a very small rink installed once and rarely moved, manual handling may remain more economical.
The real comparison is lifecycle labour
A recurring mobile rink creates handling work at both ends of every season: unload → deploy → align → operate → drain → roll → load → store. The business case should therefore compare crew hours per installation and dismantling, number of annual projects, labour availability, transport and storage effort, damage risk and expected machine maintenance.
Why handling quality matters
EPDM mats are reusable technical components with many parallel refrigeration channels. Dragging, twisting, folding or rolling them inconsistently creates unnecessary stress. Controlled handling helps keep rolls compact, reduce twisting, avoid dragging across rough surfaces, keep installation sequence organised and prepare the system more consistently for the next season.
Sherpa is strongest in recurring and rental operation
For recurring installations, SPORTWAVE recommends combining mechanical handling with mat numbering, collector mapping, rolling order, storage position, inspection notes and repair records. This turns the rink into a managed asset rather than a collection of seasonal components.
For rental fleets, faster dismantling also affects fleet utilisation: equipment can be prepared for transport and redeployed sooner.
Sherpa does not replace installation discipline
The mats still need to be deployed according to the hydraulic layout. A controlled sequence remains essential: base readiness, collector position, mat identification, alignment, connection, filling, venting and pressure checks.
Dismantling is preparation for the next installation
A good end-of-season sequence includes controlled thawing, circuit preparation, cleaning, damage inspection, repair records, controlled rolling, connection protection, labelling and loading in the planned storage order.
Ergonomics and mat protection are part of the ROI
Mechanical handling can reduce repetitive pulling, awkward lifting, uncontrolled rolling and fatigue late in installation days. It can also reduce avoidable dragging and connector damage. Normal site safety rules and trained operation still apply.
Sherpa or IceBox?
| Situation | Typical direction |
|---|---|
| New recurring standard mobile rink | Evaluate AST IceBox as the integrated seasonal logistics concept. |
| Existing conventional EPDM mat fleet | Evaluate Sherpa to improve rolling and deployment workflow. |
| Rental company with multiple EPDM systems | Sherpa can support repeated handling across projects. |
| Very small one-off rink | Manual handling may remain more economical. |
Battery readiness matters
The machine creates value only if it is ready during the narrow installation window. The seasonal plan should include charging, charger availability, pre-season inspection, safe storage, drive/control checks, maintenance and critical spare parts.
Information needed for a Sherpa assessment
- total EPDM rink area;
- mat type, lengths and configuration;
- number of installations and dismantlings per year;
- current crew size and estimated handling hours;
- storage and transport method;
- site access and loading conditions;
- history of handling-related mat damage;
- whether the machine serves one rink or a rental fleet.
From these inputs, SPORTWAVE can assess whether Sherpa is economically justified and how it should fit into the installation, dismantling and storage workflow.
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