In the rapidly expanding infrastructure and industrial sectors of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the need for specialized heavy load moving solutions has become paramount. Among these, jacking and skidding techniques stand out as critical methods for relocating large, complex, or sensitive equipment with precision and safety. At our core, we provide advanced, safe, and efficient solutions that meet the demands of UAE’s dynamic projects—from oil & gas and construction to power plants and manufacturing industries.
What Are Jacking and Skidding Techniques?
Jacking skidding are mechanical methods used to lift and laterally move heavy loads when traditional cranes or transportation equipment may not be suitable due to space constraints, load sensitivity, or environmental restrictions.
- Jacking involves the vertical lifting of a load using hydraulic jacks or mechanical devices to raise it from its base for relocation or positioning.
- Skidding refers to the horizontal movement of the load across steel tracks using hydraulic push-pull systems, typically after it has been elevated by jacking.
These techniques are ideal for navigating tight spaces, confined job sites, or highly sensitive areas where precision and control are critical.
Why the UAE Needs Advanced Heavy Load Moving Techniques
The UAE’s booming infrastructure, logistics, and energy sectors demand ever-more innovative solutions for installing, relocating, or removing machinery and structures. Whether it’s installing generators in power plants, transferring transformers in substations, or moving turbines in refineries, jacking and skidding in the UAE have become indispensable for minimizing downtime and ensuring operational safety.
Applications of Jacking and Skidding in UAE Industries
1. Oil and Gas Sector
In the UAE, home to massive petroleum operations, jacking and skidding systems are used for the relocation and alignment of:
- Oil rigs and drilling equipment
- Modular process units
- Heavy pipe racks and skids
These operations often take place in remote or restricted areas, making conventional lifting equipment impractical. Our customized jacking and skidding solutions ensure precision placement even under harsh conditions.
2. Power Generation and Utilities
Utilities across the Emirates rely on our systems to handle:
- Power transformers
- Gas turbines
- Steam generators
These units often weigh hundreds of tons, requiring controlled movement systems to position them accurately on foundations or during upgrades.
3. Construction and Civil Projects
In urban centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, large prefabricated structural elements or preassembled bridge sections often require on-site jacking and skidding to maneuver them into tight spaces or over difficult terrain. Our engineered systems allow such tasks to be completed safely, even on high-rise projects or in congested downtown areas.
4. Aerospace and Aviation
The UAE’s increasing role in global aerospace and defense necessitates moving delicate yet heavy components. Our techniques are particularly effective for:
- Aircraft component assembly
- Hanger installations
- Aerospace testing setups
5. Marine and Shipbuilding
Port operations and shipyards use our skidding techniques to:
- Move dry-dock platforms
- Position ship engines
- Transport hull sections during assembly
Our systems withstand the corrosive marine environment while delivering high-load precision.
Key Equipment in Jacking and Skidding Projects
To provide effective heavy load handling services in the UAE, we utilize a variety of specialized equipment:
- Hydraulic Jacks: Capable of lifting up to 1000 tons with precise control.
- Skid Shoes and Tracks: Low-friction Teflon or stainless steel-lined tracks ensure smooth, controlled movement.
- Push-Pull Cylinders: Hydraulic systems that move the load along the skid path.
- Power Packs and Control Units: Enable synchronized lifting or skidding, even with uneven load distribution.
Safety Standards and Operational Protocols
Safety is non-negotiable. In compliance with UAE’s industrial safety regulations, our operators follow stringent procedures:
- Load Calculations and Planning: Every move is preceded by an exhaustive engineering review, ensuring load integrity and ground support are adequate.
- Remote Monitoring Systems: Our modern jacking systems feature real-time monitoring for pressure, displacement, and force.
- Redundancy Systems: Backup power units and jacks ensure zero downtime and safe halts during unexpected events.
Benefits of Using Jacking and Skidding Over Traditional Methods
- Space Efficiency: Ideal for confined sites or interiors where cranes cannot operate.
- Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for massive lifting gear or extensive dismantling.
- Precision: Load movement is meticulously controlled, ideal for sensitive equipment.
- Reduced Risk: Fewer moving parts and manual handling reduce accident probabilities.
UAE-Specific Challenges and How We Overcome Them
Extreme Temperatures
Hydraulic systems can be sensitive to high temperatures. We use temperature-resistant seals and special hydraulic fluids that maintain viscosity even in the UAE’s scorching summer heat.
Dust and Sand
Outdoor projects near deserts expose equipment to abrasive particles. Our skidding systems use sealed and pressurized components to prevent ingress and maintain operational reliability.
Cultural and Regulatory Considerations
We respect UAE’s local business practices and adhere to Emiratisation policies, employing and training local staff in these advanced systems.
Case Studies: Success in the Field
Abu Dhabi Refinery Turnaround Project
We successfully jacked and skidded four 250-ton compressors within a 10-day window during a scheduled shutdown. Despite severe spatial limitations and 50°C temperatures, the move was completed ahead of schedule with zero safety incidents.
Dubai Metro Expansion
During the Metro’s Phase III development, our team maneuvered 150-ton concrete viaduct segments through congested construction zones using low-clearance skidding tracks.
Why Choose Us for Jacking and Skidding in the UAE
- Decades of experience in precision heavy load handling
- Customized solutions tailored to unique industrial requirements
- 24/7 operational support and rapid deployment across the Emirates
- Multilingual technical teams for seamless communication and planning
Our commitment to precision, safety, and efficiency makes us the partner of choice for industrial and infrastructure leaders throughout the UAE.