Classification of Hydraulic Skidding Systems by Force Direction

System Overview :

Hydraulic Skidding Systems are widely used for the lateral movement, positioning, or replacement of large structures such as bridges, tunnel segments, metro stations, industrial modules, and heavy equipment.
A critical component in these systems is the rail locking mechanism, which ensures safe guidance, accurate alignment, and stable load transfer during skidding.

Different engineering scenarios require different locking structures based on load direction, movement characteristics, and structural constraints.
To meet these varying needs, the rail locking design is classified according to force direction.

Classification :

① Vertical Pin-Locked Track

Features:

  • Locking holes placed vertically

  • Locking pins bear vertical shear loads

  • Maximum load capacity; suitable for heavy-duty skidding (800–4000 tons)

  • Deep guide blocks with high lateral stability

Applications:
Bridge launching, tunnel segments, metro station lateral movement, super-heavy modules.

👉 Mainstream solution for large-tonnage skidding.

② Horizontal Pin-Locked Track

Features:

  • Locking holes oriented horizontally

  • Pins resist horizontal lateral forces

  • Simple design and easy installation

  • Suitable for small- to medium-tonnage skidding (50–200 tons)

Applications:
Factory equipment relocation, steel structure sliding, lightweight modules.

👉 Ideal for flexible layouts and light-load scenarios.

③ Bi-Directional Push–Pull Locking Track

Features:

  • Capable of handling push and pull forces in both directions

  • Supports cylinders operating forward and backward

  • Allows continuous step movement and precise alignment

Applications:

  • Station lateral movement (e.g., Xiamen Station, Hong Kong Hung Shui Kiu Station)

  • Factory modules needing repeated calibration

  • 3D adjustment systems requiring dual-direction compensation

👉 Designed for complex construction and multi-directional positioning.

Our solution:

YIPU Hydraulic specializes in custom-engineered hydraulic skidding systems and can provide all three force-direction locking types based on project requirements:

✔ Vertical Pin-Locked Skidding Systems

  • For ultra-heavy loads and high-stability applications

  • Applied in bridge replacement, tunnel projects, and high-tonnage structures

✔ Horizontal Pin-Locked Skidding Systems

  • Lightweight, economical, and adaptable

  • Suitable for small to mid-scale industrial projects

✔ Bi-Directional Push–Pull Skidding Systems

  • Used in complex construction with forward/backward movement

  • Ideal for station shift-in, module calibration, and multi-directional adjustments

Our Core Strength

YIPU excels at custom design, providing:

  • Tailored locking structures

  • Custom hydraulic cylinders & control systems

  • Full technical consultation

  • On-site application support

  • Design optimization according to client requirements

Whether the project involves heavy-duty jacking, precision alignment, or specialized movement constraints, YIPU can deliver a complete hydraulic skidding solution engineered specifically for your scenario.