Europe's first 300 tonne Hydra-Slide

Portsmouth, UK-based lifting and transport company Rapid Response Solutions (RRS) has taken delivery of a 300 tonne hydraulic skidding system, the only one of its kind in Europe, from Canadian manufacturer Hydra-Slide.

RRS will initially put the product to use for installation of transformers at electrical substations, but Paul Barber, managing director, foresees its widespread use on a variety of projects.

“We had quoted for the electrical substation job, for which we knew the Hydra-Slide system was best suited, so in the short-term it made sense to proceed with the order upon award of the contract,” he explained. “Additional electrical substations, large machinery manufacturers and shipping firms will be future targets for the product, while I expect it to open doors to joint venture projects with our tier one partners.”

The HT300 hydraulically powered heavy track skidding system, like its 500 tonne capacity big brother, is one of the most cost-effective and accurate tools for moving, loading or unloading all types of heavy loads, the company said. It is frequently used to move transformers, generators, compressors, pressure vessels and machines where a rigid, load carrying track is required.

Barber continued, “The product represents a great fit with our existing range,” said Barber. “We are developing our projects division to increase the services available to our customer base and are continually led by those customers into new areas. This system will reduce the manpower required to carry out certain lifting and moving tasks using traditional methods.”

Janine Smith, vice president at Hydra-Slide, said, “We are very excited about RRS investing in the HT300 system. We know from experience how much this equipment can benefit their business. It will increase the number and type of projects they’ll be able to take on and it will set them apart from their competition.”

The 300 tonne heavy track skidding system is the only unit of its kind Hydra-Slide has sold into Europe. There are other models of Hydra-Slide skidding systems in the UK, while similar-sized and larger models are more prevalent in mainland Europe.

The HT300 included 50 feet (15 metres) of double track and four skid shoes. The push cylinders and all connecting hardware are packed in a steel toolbox for storage. RRS also ordered an Enerpac 700 bar, solenoid-controlled split flow pump system, which will be used to operate the jacks on the skidding system.

Barber explained that the pump can also be used to operate the jacks needed to lift the load to get the skidding system under the load. The pump is a synchronised system with electronic control, allowing one operator to activate four jacks simultaneously or individually. The synchronised system is designed to ensure that the pressure in each jack remains equal. The Enerpac pump can be used on many jacking operations using Rapid’s pad, wedge and pulling jacks.