Hydra-Slide systems are the world’s simplest, most versatile hydraulic skidding systems. If you have a heavy load you need to move, especially in tight, confined spaces, this article will guide you through the process of choosing the right options for your needs.
Hydra-Slide Skidding Systems: 4 Low Profile and 2 Heavy Track Systems
Hydra-Slide offers six different hydraulic skidding systems. We classify two of our systems as “heavy track” systems, which are designed to support the heaviest loads. The remaining four systems are “low-profile,” meaning they can operate with as little as an inch or two of vertical clearance.
Heavy Track Systems
- HT300: Capable of pushing loads up to 300 tons or pulling loads up to 150 tons.
- HT500: Capable of pushing loads up to 500 tons or pulling loads up to 250 tonsc
Low-Profile Systems
- XLP30: 1.125-inch profile; capable of pushing or pulling up to 30 tons
- XLP80: 1.25-inch profile; capable of pushing up to 80 tons or pulling up to 40 tons
- XLP150: 1.25-inch profile; capable of pushing up to 250 tons or pulling up to 150 tons
- LP350: 1.5-inch profile; capable of pushing up to 350 tons
For a detailed description of each of our skidding systems, see our skidding systems page.
Specialized Hydraulic Equipment Options
In addition to our skidding systems, Hydra-Slide offers specialized hydraulic skidding equipment to facilitate the movement of very heavy items.
1. Jacking Load Shoes
Hydra-Slide’s JLS250 jacking load shoes are used to raise and lower loads directly onto the skid shoes that sit on top of the skid tracks. The jacking shoes have a capacity of 250 tons.
2. Powered Turntables
Hydra-Slide’s powered turntables can rotate heavy loads accurately and efficiently, even in areas of restricted access or clearance. They are ideal for rotating items such as transformers or generators. They incorporate a reversible, hydraulically-powered rotating mechanism for precise control.
3. Alignment Shoes
Hydra-Slide’s AS150 and AS500 alignment shoe systems make the final precise positioning of a load simple and accurate. Very effective for lining up the component with tie-in pipe or overhead electrical isophase connections. Each component is hand-portable, allowing transportation, setup, and mobilization with minimal personnel and equipment.
4. Climbing Jacks
Hydra-Jack™ climbing jacks are designed to safely raise or lower heavy loads. They incorporate a hydraulic cylinder inverted inside a specially designed load casing. As the jacks are extended and retracted, block piles can be progressively built under the jack to raise the load.
For a full description of Hydra-Slide’s specialized hydraulic equipment, please see our specialized hydraulic equipment options page.
Hydraulic Power Units
Hydraulic power units provide power to the hydraulic cylinders that are the force behind every jack-and-slide operation. Hydra-Slide offers two types of power units: conventional and synchronous.
1. Conventional Power Units
Hydra-Slide’s conventional power units can be gasoline-powered or electric. We also manufacture a wireless model that can be operated through a remote control. By default, conventional power units are equal-pressure systems, meaning that each hydraulic cylinder attached to the unit will have a common pressure no matter what the load is.
If the load has an offset center of gravity, the cylinders may not push at the same rate. For that reason, Hydra-Slide’s conventional power units have built-in valve controls to allow operators to manipulate the flow rates and synchronize the push rate between cylinders.
2. Synchronous Power Units
Hydra-Slide’s synchronous power units use a specialty pump that outputs to independent hydraulic circuits. If a load is being supported on four points, but each point is bearing a different amount of weight, a synchronous power unit will output the same volume of hydraulic fluid to each cylinder. For example, if the power unit is being used to raise a load using jacking load shoes, if one support point needs 100 tons of force while another needs 75 tons of force, the cylinders will still rise at the same rate.
For a detailed breakdown of Hydra-Slide’s hydraulic power units, please see our power units page.
System Accessories
Hydra-Slide offers a variety of skidding system accessories that are often used when skidding very heavy loads.
Hydraulic Jacks
Hydra-Slide partners with several leading hydraulic jack manufacturers to provide high-quality, field-proven hydraulic jacks. We proudly offer a range of PowerTeam double-acting steel jacks and Orbit double-acting aluminum jacks for lifting and lowering applications.
Modular Stands
When you need to support a heavy item from below during a skidding project, Hydra-Slide’s modular stands can create a firm foundation beneath your skidding tracks. Modular stands are engineered, 100-ton capacity steel stands. They are available in standard heights from 18 inches to 48 inches.
Aluminum Support Beams
Hydra-Slide’s lightweight aluminum beams can provide support and gap-spanning capability for skidding projects with our low profile systems. The entire system is hand-portable for those indoor, difficult to access areas.
Jacking Timbers
For jacking and skid beam supports, Hydra-Slide offers both Ekki hardwood jacking timbers and Dragonwood engineered jacking timbers made of bamboo composite.
For a full description of Hydra-Slide’s accessories, read our system accessories page.
Skidding Systems Comparison
It’s important to compare the strengths and design intent of each skidding system before selecting one to add to your inventory. Each system has a different rated capacity, operating profile, and design intent. To see a full breakdown of how Hydra-Slide’s systems compare to each other, see the Hydra-Slide skidding systems comparison page.
How to Choose a Skidding System by Capacity
Capacity rating is usually the first question customers ask when selecting a Hydra-Slide hydraulic skidding system. Rated capacity is important, but it is also an incomplete picture of Hydra-Slide’s potential capability when moving very heavy loads. For some heavier applications, system capacities can often be increased by simply adding additional lanes of skid track and push cylinders.
How to Select the Best Skidding System for Your Needs
Choosing the right skidding system goes beyond simply choosing one with sufficient capacity. Some of our systems are ideal for low-clearance environments. Others are specifically designed to move the heaviest items.
Hydraulic Power Unit Comparison
The right choice of a power unit will depend on how much force you need to lift and move a load, whether the load will be equally balanced, and what level of control you need over the hydraulic cylinders that provide force for a jack-and-skid project.
Timber Comparison for Skidding Applications
Finally, choosing the right jacking timbers is critical for a heavy load move. The entire operation often is supported by support stands or timbers to hold up the load. Choosing cheap lumber from the hardware store could have consequences. Using Ekki hardwood and Dragonwood composite will ensure you have a solid foundation for the heavy jacking or skidding operation.
