Industries
Wireline crane services
The right crane for the lift, with NCCCO-certified operators and riggers for wireline jobs. Based in West Texas, working statewide.
Crane service for wireline jobs
Wireline jobs often need a crane on location to hold and handle the lubricator and pressure control equipment over the wellhead.
Lifts we take on include:
- Holding and handling the lubricator
- Lifting pressure control equipment
- Rig-up and rig-down lifts
- Day work on location
Wireline lubricator crane service
On a cased-hole wireline job, the crane picks up the lubricator with the tool string inside, stabs it onto the pressure control on the wellhead and holds it there while the tools run. On plug-and-perf work that cycle repeats every stage. It is slow, precise crane work, and the operator's job is to keep the boom tip plumb over the well so the lubricator never takes a side load.
Some wireline units bring their own mast, but longer lubricators, taller frac trees and heavier pressure control stacks often call for a crane. Wireline cranes work beside a frac crew on zipper jobs, or on their own for logging, perforating and setting plugs.
- Get the wellhead height, lubricator length and weights before the job.
- Set up where the boom tip reaches plumb over the wellhead.
- Run the JSA with the wireline crew and name one signal person.
- Pick the lubricator, stab it on and hold steady through the run.
- Lift off and set down between runs while guns are changed out.
- Rig down after the last run, once the well is secured.
Crane and operator for wireline jobs
Every job goes out with the right crane for the lift, an NCCCO-certified operator and a rigger.
Wireline work comes down to height and reach, so have the stack details ready before you call dispatch:
- Well name, GPS location and lease road directions
- Wellhead and frac tree height above the pad
- Lubricator length and weight with the tool string
- Expected number of runs or days on location
- Who gives signals on your crew
- Whether a frac crew is working the same pad
Rigging plans and safety plans for wireline jobs
The main risks on a wireline job are side-loading the lubricator, working around a stack that holds well pressure, and wind on a tall, slender load. The operator holds position, moves slowly and takes signals from one assigned person only. We write rigging plans and safety plans that cover the rigging to the lubricator, the wind limits and the crane spot for each well.
When wireline works beside an active frac, the crane shares the pad with high-pressure iron and red zones on the other wells. The safety plan spells out where the crane sits, how it swings without crossing the frac side, and who has the authority to stop a lift.
Book a crane
Call dispatch or send a lift request. Tell us the load, the location and the date.
FAQ
Questions about wireline crane services
Why would a wireline job need a crane instead of a mast unit?
Many jobs use the wireline unit's own mast. A crane comes in when the lubricator is long, the frac tree is tall or the pressure control stack is heavy enough to need more height and reach. Tell dispatch the wellhead height and the lubricator length, and we'll bring the right crane for the lift.
Can the crane stay on location for several days of wireline work?
Yes. The crane stays on location with the wireline crew, along with an NCCCO-certified operator and an NCCCO-certified rigger. Give dispatch an idea of how many days or runs you expect, and let us know when the schedule changes.
What does the crane operator need from the wireline crew?
One designated signal person, a clear call on when the lubricator is ready to pick and when it is free to lift off, and the weights of the lubricator and tool string. Letting the operator know about pressure in the stack and any change to the run plan keeps every pick deliberate.
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