Hydra-Slide HT-500 Skidding System
At the Oologah Power Plant in Oklahoma, Advantage Industrial Machinery Relocators, Inc. (AIM Relocators) was tasked with installing a new 60,000-lb electric booster fan motor as part of an emissions-reduction initiative. The motor needed to be lifted and precisely positioned atop a 14-foot-high pedestal within a live, operating power facility.
Given the weight, height, and limited access of the installation site, AIM needed a safe, controlled, and cost-effective way to elevate and slide the heavy motor into position — all while staying on schedule despite weather delays. That’s when AIM partnered with LGH to rent the Hydra-Slide HT-500 System, a jack-and-slide solution ideal for high-precision heavy load movement.
Performing a critical slide at an elevation of fourteen feet was no small task. The motor had to be raised from a trailer and transferred onto the pedestal, all while maintaining balance and safety at height.
To make matters worse, the project faced relentless rain and thunderstorms. Repeated lightning strikes forced the crew to halt work multiple times due to safety restrictions. Lead Foreman John Williams explained:
“Lightning shut us down on multiple occasions. We couldn’t work in those conditions due to the danger involved, so we had to adapt our methods to stay safe while keeping the project on schedule.”
Maintaining project momentum, controlling costs, and ensuring safety despite adverse weather became AIM’s primary challenges.
To complete the lift safely and efficiently, AIM Relocators selected the Hydra-Slide HT-500 Skidding System from LGH. The system’s ratchet-track design allowed for smooth, continuous motion and precise control of the 60,000-lb motor — even when the slide was performed at height.
The Hydra-Slide’s low-friction and bidirectional movement gave the team full command of the load without relying on complex rigging or cable systems. When lightning forced a shutdown, the motor could be quickly secured mid-slide and left in a safe position overnight, allowing work to resume seamlessly the next morning.
“We’ve used LGH quite a bit in the past,” said Williams. “Whenever we need something bigger than what we normally stock, LGH is our go-to. Their equipment is always safe, clean, and well maintained.”
By choosing the Hydra-Slide system, AIM was able to maintain safety and precision without sacrificing schedule or budget.
Despite severe weather interruptions, AIM Relocators successfully completed the installation on time, under budget, and without incident. The Hydra-Slide HT-500 provided the stability, control, and reliability required to move the massive booster fan safely into place.
“The Hydra-Slide worked great,” Williams concluded. “With projects like this, you need the best equipment possible to ensure the job gets done safely and on time. We’ll definitely continue working with LGH in the future.”
The Oologah Power Plant project highlights how LGH’s advanced Hydra-Slide jack-and-slide system can transform complex heavy-equipment installations into efficient, controlled, and safe operations. Through LGH’s reliable equipment and AIM’s expertise, the project was a model of precision under pressure — proof that even the toughest challenges can be moved safely with the right tools.
Advantage Industrial Machinery Relocators, Inc. (AIM Relocators) specializes in turnkey equipment and machinery relocation across Oklahoma and surrounding regions. Their experienced team of riggers, operators, and drivers ensures safe and efficient handling of heavy manufacturing equipment for industrial clients.
LGH is North America’s largest single organization devoted exclusively to the rental of lifting and moving equipment. With more than 90,000 pieces of hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety gear, LGH provides safe, certified, and ready-to-use solutions for every lifting challenge.
Visit RentLGH.com to learn more.
