Method and land-based system for generating seismic signals. The system includes a vehicle configured to move to a desired location above ground, the vehicle having a first end and a second end, opposite to the first end; a vibratory source configured to generate seismic waves into the ground; a lifting system connecting the first end of the vehicle to the vibratory source and configured to lift or lower the vibratory source relative to the ground; and a balancing device connected to the second end of the vehicle and configured to lift the second end of the vehicle from the ground.