Best Coil Tubing Units, Pumps & Equipment to Start a Coil Tubing Business
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Launching a coil tubing business in 2026 begins with choosing the right equipment. High-quality units, reliable pumps, and rugged tools are essential for efficient operations, safety compliance, and gaining contracts with oil and gas operators. Your choice of coil tubing equipment directly impacts uptime, service capability, and profitability — and insurance costs too.
This guide outlines the best coil tubing units, pumps, and essential equipment you’ll need to start a competitive oilfield service company.
1. Coil Tubing Units
A coil tubing unit is the core of your business. These machines feed continuous tubing into wells without making connections, enabling well intervention, cleanouts, and stimulation work.
What to Look For:
Bigger reel capacity: Supports longer tubing lengths
High-horsepower drive systems: Better control in deep/extended jobs
Reliable control cabins: Protect operators and electronics
Typical options include:
650HP–1000HP hydraulic coil tubing units — versatility for most contracts
Dual-reel units — faster mobilization and demobilization
Many new contractors choose remanufactured or late-model used units to balance cost and performance when entering the market.
2. Pumps & Power Units
Whether performing cleanouts or circulating fluids, pumps are vital.
Key Pump Types:
High-pressure triplex pumps: Ideal for pressure control and cement squeezes
Catwalk pumps: Simplified, mobile pumps that handle basic circulating needs
Look for units with:
Fuel-efficient diesel engines
Remote monitoring capabilities
Serviceability in harsh environments
3. Rig-Up Trailers & Support Vehicles
Your support fleet includes heavy-duty trailers, rig-up trucks, and tool trailers. Consider:
Gooseneck trailers for heavy equipment
Service trucks with cranes to reduce rigging time
ATV/UTVs for remote wellsite access
These vehicles not only support operations but also impact your commercial auto and equipment insurance premiums.
4. Tooling & Specialized Accessories
Beyond the core unit and pumps, you’ll need:
Hydraulic control heads and blowout preventers (BOPs)
Pressure gauges, safety valves & swages
Tubing sockets and sheaves
Downhole cameras and gauges
Invest in certified, well-maintained tooling to reduce failures — which also helps your safety record and lowers insurance risk.
Resources like API (American Petroleum Institute) provide standards for oilfield tooling and safety.
5. Safety Equipment
Don’t overlook:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Helmets, gloves, flame-resistant clothing
Gas detection systems
Fall protection & confined space gear
Safety investments protect crews — and help reduce claims and insurance premiums.
Why Choose Wexford Insurance
At Wexford Insurance, we help coil tubing business owners protect their investment. Equipment, vehicles, rigs, and crew exposures all require tailored coverage. We work with multiple carriers nationwide to find insurance solutions that help you:
Meet operator contract requirements
Protect high-value units & pumps
Manage risk to reduce premium costs
