The Hydra-Slide jack and slide system from LGH.
When heavy loads need to move through tight spaces, traditional equipment is not always the best fit. Cranes may require too much clearance, ground preparation, setup space, or budget. Machine skates and air skates can be useful for some moves, but they may not provide the control, bridging capability, or stability required for certain high-tonnage applications. That is where jack and slide systems come in.
Jack and slide systems are especially useful when crews need to move heavy equipment through confined areas, facilities with floor loading limits, or jobsites where crane access is not practical. Hydra-Slide jack and slide systems, available for rent from LGH, give crews a compact, controlled way to move heavy loads with minimal headroom and precise placement.
Jack and slide is a heavy load moving method that combines hydraulic jacking with controlled skidding. The load is lifted, supported on a low-profile track system, and moved horizontally along a defined path.
A jack and slide system is the equipment used to perform this method. It typically includes hydraulic cylinders, skid shoes, track sections, and a hydraulic power unit. Once the load is positioned on the system, operators can move it incrementally along the track with control and precision.
As the load progresses, track sections can be “leapfrogged” ahead, allowing crews to move heavy equipment over longer distances without requiring a continuous track setup from start to finish.
Because jack and slide systems are low-profile and require limited operating space, they are often used when cranes, forklifts, machine skates, or larger rigging setups are not practical.
Example of the Hydra Slide jack and slide system, available for rent from LGH.
A jack and slide system is useful when a heavy load needs to be moved with precision, but the jobsite does not allow for traditional lifting or moving methods.
Common reasons to use jack and slide include:
For example, a crane may have the lifting capacity for a job but require extensive setup space, ground preparation, or overhead clearance. Machine skates may work well on smooth floors, but they may not provide enough control on slopes, uneven surfaces, or unsupported spans. In those situations, a hydraulic skidding system can provide a more controlled and space-efficient solution.
The Hydra-Slide Hydra-Pac power systems complete the jack and slide system.
Cranes, machine skates, and air skates can all be effective heavy-moving solutions, but each has limitations depending on the jobsite.
Cranes are powerful and versatile, but they may require significant setup space, overhead clearance, ground preparation, and budget. Machine skates and air skates can work well on smooth, level surfaces, but they may not provide enough control on slopes, uneven floors, unsupported spans, or moves that require exact final placement.
A jack and slide system offers a compact, controlled alternative for heavy loads in tight or restricted spaces.
Key advantages include:
These advantages make jack and slide systems especially useful for high-tonnage moves in facilities with restricted access, sensitive ground conditions, floor loading limits, or limited space.
A jack and slide system is ideal when headroom is limited.
Jack and slide systems are used across many industries where heavy equipment needs to be moved safely and accurately.
Common applications include:
From transformers and heat exchangers to large mechanical assemblies, jack and slide systems help crews move heavy loads through challenging environments without relying solely on cranes or skates.
The Hydra-Slide XLP jack and slide system, moving heavy machinery.
LGH offers Hydra-Slide hydraulic skidding systems for jack and slide applications, with options for a wide range of load weights, footprints, and site conditions. Our rental fleet includes the heavy-duty 500-ton Hydra-Slide HT system, as well as XLP models with 150-ton and 30-ton capacities. (Learn more specifically about our dynamic Hydra-Slide XLP jack and slide system in this blog post.)
Our rental specialists can help evaluate your project requirements, including load weight, travel distance, headroom, floor conditions, access restrictions, and final placement needs. From there, LGH can help match the right jack and slide system to the job.
Backed by locations across North America and decades of lifting and rigging experience, LGH helps crews solve complex heavy moving challenges with tested, certified, and job-ready rental equipment.
Jack and slide systems give crews a controlled, compact way to move heavy loads through tight or restricted spaces. By combining hydraulic jacking with track-based skidding, these systems can help move large equipment with minimal headroom, precise placement, and a smaller operating footprint than many traditional methods.
When cranes, machine skates, or air skates are not the right fit, a hydraulic skidding system may provide the control and flexibility needed to keep the project moving.
For help choosing the right jack and slide system for your next heavy load move, contact LGH today or call 800-878-7305 to speak with a rental specialist.
LGH is North America’s largest single organization devoted exclusively to the provision of lifting and moving equipment for rent. LGH holds the most comprehensive inventory for hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety equipment. With over 90,000 pieces, discover your next project solution at RentLGH.com.
