W&W Energy Services is finding its new Knuckle Boom Crane Truck offers an advantage over its competitors.

Oilfield service companies are using every tool in their toolbox to find their way through the economic crash being experienced by the energy industry.

“There is no silver bullet to make it through times like this, but having these small advantages help, Jason Waters, president of W&W Energy Services, told the Reporter-Telegram by email. “It is all about delivering value to your client and keeping your people safe. In my mind, doing things that way is what gets you through.”

His company has begun using its new Knuckle Boom Crane Truck to help reduce time and costs associated with traditional crane movements. Costs have been reduced by up to an estimated 40 percent, he said.

“There is no doubt the use of knuckle boom cranes has differentiated us from our competitors,” Waters said. “Offering anything to clients that improves safety exposure while reducing costs gives our business an edge. These knuckle booms are not new technology by any means, but what’s new is the type of work we perform with them, which has typically been done using very expensive and slow traditional cranes.”

The Knuckle Boom Crane Truck is a 2019 Kenworth K900 Tractor with an integrated Palfinger 110002 high performance hydraulic knuckle boom crane, capable of hauling, lifting and setting large tanks and oilfield equipment. It can lift up to 12 tons at a range of 24 feet and 3 tons at a range of 73 feet. It also can manage all sizes of spoolable pipe reels, 1,000-barrel tanks and vessels.

Not only does the integrated truck and crane reduce costs; it improves safety by reducing excessive manpower and simultaneous operation risks, Waters said.

Based in Odessa and founded in 1982 by the Waters family, W&W Energy provides facility and well maintenance, facility projects and construction, engineering and design, pipeline construction, tank and vessel hauling, field maintenance services and pre-cast concrete solutions. The company employs 300 and has locations in Midland, Monahans and Carlsbad, New Mexico, in addition to its Odessa headquarters.

Last year the company joined Petrofac, an international service provider to the oil, gas and renewable energy sectors.

Mella McEwen is the Oil Editor for the Midland Reporter-Telegram.