When choosing a hydraulic skidding system, most crews start by asking, “What is the weight of the load?”
That question is a good starting place, but two crews can be planning to move loads of identical weight and still need completely different skidding systems.
In this article, we’ll walk you through five questions to ask when selecting a skidding system to help you choose the right equipment for the job.
What All Skidding Systems Have in Common
Hydra-Slide manufactures and sells six different types of hydraulic skidding systems. All six are designed to move heavy loads safely along a track by applying short, controlled strokes using hydraulic cylinders. The load stays grounded the entire time. Operators control the move from a distance through hydraulic lines. When force stops, movement stops.
That behavior is the same across all of Hydra-Slide’s systems. But each system is designed for a specific use case, which means operators selecting a system must answer the following questions:
- How heavy is the load?
- What movement paths are available?
- How much clearance do we have along the move path?
- How difficult is the site to access?
- Do we need to move the load across unsupported gaps?
Let’s walk through each of these five questions in detail.
Step 1: How Heavy Is the Load?
The weight of the load determines the capacity you need from your skidding system. In most cases, this is the first question to answer when planning a move with hydraulic skidding.
Be sure to add some margin to your capacity. For very heavy loads, weight estimates are just that: estimates. Uneven loads may also place more weight on one skid shoe or one side of a skid plate than on the other.
Here’s a breakdown of the capacity ratings for our systems:
Step 2: What Movement Paths Are Available to Complete the Job?
Skidding tracks move heavy loads in a straight line from point A to point B. Before selecting a system, map out how the load will move from its current location to where it needs to be.
In some situations, there is only one path to choose from, making this an easy decision. In other cases, operators have several movement paths available to choose from.
Choose or create a move path that is straight, flat, supported, and free of obstacles. Some heavy loads need to be rotated before being placed in their final position. A powered turntable will often allow operators to accomplish this.
Step 3: How Much Clearance Do You Have Along the Move Path?
Once you’ve selected your move path, determine how much clearance you’ll have along the way. This is a key factor when selecting a skidding system, as nearby and overhead obstacles are a common problem for these types of moves.
If you know you’ll have only inches of clearance at places along the route, that may lead you to prefer a low-profile system. If your movement path is clear of obstacles, clearance should not be a problem.
Here’s a table with the working height of each of Hydra-Slide’s systems:
Step 4: How Difficult Is the Site to Access?
Hydraulic skidding is often used in environments where operators can’t reach a load with a forklift or a crane. Examples of these environments include equipment deep inside a manufacturing plant, an underground location, or a platform that can only be reached by climbing several flights of stairs.
If you’re working in one of these environments, a low-profile system may be the right option. Low-profile skidding systems are light enough to walk into a tight or remote site and set up by hand. However, if your load is in an open, easily accessible space, you have the option of a low-profile or heavy track system and can choose based on other criteria.
Step 5: Do You Need to Move the Load Across Unsupported Gaps?
A trench, pit, or gap will create a place along the movement path where nothing is supporting the track from below. You must also factor in potential damage to underground pipes or utilities.
When the gap is too long for the system to cross on its own, you’ll need to use spanning or bridging techniques to cross it. Check the documentation for each system to determine if a gap can be spanned without additional support by the system you’re considering.
Gaps or unsupported places along the move path may be a reason to choose a heavy track system, which can typically span longer gaps.
Selecting the Right Track for Your Needs
Skidding systems give operators a simple, safe, effective method to move heavy loads in all kinds of environments.
The right choice comes down to the five questions above. Start with the weight of the load, since that sets the capacity you need. Then map your move path, check your clearance along the way. Ask how easy the site is to reach. And plan for any gaps you’ll have to cross.
When considering Hydra-Slide skidding systems, here’s a full look at what each one is best for:
If you need an outside opinion about which skidding system is right for you, reach out to our team. We’d love to help you consider the options so you can make the best choice for your situation.
