Hydra-Slide manufactures six hydraulic skidding systems that are used across the globe to move heavy loads. All of Hydra-Slide’s systems share the same basic operating principles. To use them, operators:
- Lift a heavy load by a few inches
- Place a skidding system underneath the load
- Lower the load onto skid shoes or skid plates that sit on top of the tracks
- Push or pull the load along the tracks using hydraulic cylinders connected through hydraulic lines to a power unit
In this article, we’ll introduce you to each of the six systems. We’ll highlight the capabilities of each, including capacity, working height, friction surface, and best use cases.
Comparison Guide: Hydra-Slide Hydraulic Skidding Systems
Heavy-Track Hydraulic Skidding Systems
Hydra-Slide manufactures two heavy track skidding systems:
These two systems are built for the heaviest loads. They use rigid steel tracks that can support a load across short spans and gaps, making them useful in environments where the ground is uneven or the load needs to bridge a gap. When used with bridging techniques or modular stands, operators can use these heavy track systems to move heavy loads across longer spans and gaps.
Our JLS250 jacking load shoes are a complementary tool for the heavy track systems. These specialty shoes are used to jack the load directly on the skid shoes. They have been extremely useful for applications like installing and repositioning tunnel boring machines. Each shoe has a capacity of 250 tons and can scale based on need.
HT500 Heavy Track System
The HT500 skidding system is designed to skid loads up to 500 tons and pull loads up to 250 tons. It is our go-to system for the very heaviest loads. It features:
- 500-ton push capacity
- 250-ton pull capacity
- 8-inch operating height
- Simple track connections
- Durable graphite slide surface
- Cylinders that move and reset automatically
HT300 Heavy Track System
The HT300 skidding system is designed to push loads up to 300 tons and pull loads up to 150 tons. It features:
- 300-ton push capacity
- 150-ton pull capacity
- 7-inch operating height
- Simple track connections
- Durable graphite slide surface
- Cylinders that move and reset automatically
Low-Profile Hydraulic Skidding Systems
Hydra-Slide manufactures four low-profile systems with operating heights as low as 1.125”. They are:
- LP350 low-profile system
- XLP150 extreme low-profile system
- XLP80 extreme low-profile system
- XLP30 extreme low-profile system
Rather than using skidding shoes, our low-profile systems come with skid plates that sit directly on top of the skid track.
These systems are designed to be fully hand portable. They are often ideal for situations with limited overhead clearance or in locations that are difficult to access with heavier equipment.
LP350 Low Profile System
The LP350 skidding system has a capacity of 350 tons with an operating height of just 1.5”. It is ideal for situations where you need to move a heavy load with very tight clearances. It features:
- 350-ton push capacity
- 1.5” operating height
- Hand portable
- Simple track connections
- Durable graphite slide surface
- Cylinders that move and reset automatically
XLP150 Extreme Low Profile System
The XLP150 skidding system has a 250-ton push capacity, a 150-ton pull capacity, and a 1.25” working height. It is one of our most versatile systems. It features:
- 250-ton push capacity
- 150-ton pull capacity
- 1.25” operating height
- Hand portable
- Simple track connections
- Stainless steel skid plates on UHMW polyethylene skid tracks
- Cylinders that move and reset automatically
XLP80 Extreme Low Profile System
The XLP80 skidding system has an 80-ton push capacity, a 40-ton pull capacity, and a 1.25” working height. It is identical to the XLP150 skidding system, but it uses a lower capacity cylinder to allow for faster skidding speeds. It is often used in the most confined and clearance-restricted environments. It features:
- 80-ton push capacity
- 40-ton pull capacity
- 1.25” operating height
- Hand portable
- Simple track connections
- Stainless steel skid plates on UHMW polyethylene skid tracks
- Cylinders that move and reset automatically
XLP30 Extreme Low Profile System
The XLP30 skidding system has a 30-ton capacity and operates at just 1.125”. It is our smallest, most portable system, capable of moving lighter loads safely and with limited setup time. It features:
- 30-ton push capacity
- 30-ton pull capacity
- 1.125” operating height
- Hand portable and our lightest system
- Simple track connections
- Stainless steel skid plates on UHMW polyethylene skid tracks
- Cylinders that move and reset automatically
Have Questions About Which System Is Right for You?
Choosing the best system for your use case is the first step — using it correctly is the second. Before your next project, review our guide on common hydraulic skidding mistakes and how to avoid them.
If you’re considering investing in a hydraulic skidding system, reach out to our team at Hydra-Slide. We’d be happy to discuss your options and help you decide which hydraulic skidding system is the right option for you.
