Compared to other heavy-lift systems, hydraulic skidding systems are simple, safe, and easy to operate. But like any heavy equipment, skidding systems require proper setup and operation. When operators skip steps, misjudge the environment, or push a system beyond design specifications, that’s when problems happen. When working with very heavy loads, these mistakes can mean additional costs from damage to the load, the need to bring in additional equipment, or extended shutdowns.
In this article, we’ll cover seven common mistakes we see with hydraulic skidding systems.
1. Operating on Too Steep a Grade
Hydra-Slide’s skidding systems are designed to operate on grades of plus or minus 2%. Beyond that range, the friction between the skid shoes and the track may not hold a heavy load in place when hydraulic pressure is released from the system.
If your move path has a grade steeper than 2%, plan for it before the move begins. This may mean shimming or leveling the ground before laying the skid tracks. You can utilize temporary earthworks, crane mats, wood timbers, or plywood to help achieve a level track. Sometimes the safest choice is to consider a different move path or a different movement method for a portion of the move.
Operating on too steep a grade risks a runaway situation where the load begins sliding downhill on its own without any way to stop it, putting equipment, operators, and the surrounding environment at risk.
2. Setting Up Tracks That Aren’t Parallel
Skid tracks need to be parallel to each other and to the intended direction of travel. When they’re not, the skid shoes can jam, bringing the move to a standstill.
Making this mistake often means a delay in the process. Operators will need to stop the move, re-jack the load off the skid shoes, re-measure and reset the tracks, then start the process anew. Setting up tracks properly is one of the first steps to learn about operating a skidding system safely. It is covered in detail in all our training documentation.
3. Neglecting Track Surfaces and Lubrication
The skid shoes and skid tracks of a hydraulic skidding system are designed to leverage friction during a move. Hydra-Slide’s heavy track systems use a dry graphite lubricant to create the right amount of friction. Our low-profile systems use a stainless steel-on-UHMW polyethylene surface to create a similar friction effect. In both cases, the friction surfaces need to be clean and (for heavy systems) properly lubricated to perform as designed.
Operators working with skidding systems should clean the tracks and shoes often, especially after wet conditions or extended storage. Heavy track systems should also be inspected and relubricated often.
4. Failing to Account for Soft Ground Conditions
Some projects require operators to move a heavy load across soft or unstable ground. In these conditions, the ground under the tracks can move or settle, changing the path and potentially bringing the move to a halt. Ground settling can also change your clearance margins, which may force adjustments along the move path. You must also consider possible damage to underground pipes or culverts.
If the ground is soft, consider how much settlement is possible under load and what delays or damage that settling could cause. If settlement is expected, use load spreading mats beneath the slide track to spread the weight of the load over a wider area. If major settlement is a worry, you may need to adjust your path or build additional support under the tracks using bridging or spanning techniques.
5. Not Adequately Planning for Spans and Gaps
Skidding systems can span unsupported gaps, but only up to a certain distance. Every track system comes with operating manuals that detail how wide a gap that system can support while moving a load. Be sure to study the specific capacity of the system before attempting to span an unsupported gap.
If the gap is too wide, your team will need to use additional bridging or supports. Or you may need to consider an alternate load-handling method to bridge the gap.
6. Exceeding the System’s Rated Capacity
Every hydraulic skidding system has a rated capacity. Overloading a skidding system puts stress on the track, the shoes, and the cylinders in ways that are difficult to predict. In many cases, if you have a load that’s too heavy for the system, it simply won’t move when you apply pressure. In other cases, a part of the system may fail under the load.
If you do need to move a load that’s heavier than your system’s rated capacity, either choose a higher-rated system or use a technique to scale your existing system’s capacity. For example, our HT300 skid system has a standard push capacity of 300 tons. In some situations, operators can add two additional lanes of track and two additional push cylinders under the load to achieve a system push capacity of 600 tons.
Scaling up capacity works well in some situations but not in others. If your load is heavier than your system’s rated capacity, talk with an engineer prior to the move to discuss the best option for your specific environment.
7. Connecting Hydraulic Hoses Incorrectly
Finally, a simple but common mistake is connecting hydraulic hoses backward during setup. When this happens, the cylinders won’t operate properly when you try to apply pressure to the load.
Before applying pressure to the system, verify your hose connections. This means ensuring a clean interface and a snug connection. Trace your hoses to ensure they are connected to the correct side port of the push cylinders.
Doing so will let you confirm that the cylinders are operating as expected before beginning the move. The operating manuals cover the correct connection sequence for each system.
When not in use, keep hose connections clean and capped to prevent debris from interfering with a proper seal.
Is Hydraulic Skidding the Right Choice for Your Next Move?
If you need to move a very heavy item and want to know if hydraulic skidding is a good choice for the project, reach out to our team at Hydra-Slide. We’d be happy to help you decide if hydraulic skidding is the right option for your project needs.
