Abstract: A top drive for well operations having a gearbox, a traction motor connected to the gearbox so that a motor shaft of the traction motor extends into the gearbox, a quill extending into the gearbox, a gear train positioned within the gearbox and mechanically connected between the traction motor shaft and the quill, and a connector positioned in the gear train, wherein in a coupled configuration the connector communicates torque through the gear train, and wherein in a decoupled configuration the connector does not communicate torque through the gear train. A method for operating a top drive by applying a first torque to a quill with two traction motors, disconnecting one of the traction motors from the quill, and applying a second torque less than the first torque to the quill with the non-disconnected traction motor.

Abstract: A top drive for well operations having a gearbox, a traction motor connected to the gearbox so that a motor shaft of the traction motor extends into the gearbox, a quill extending into the gearbox, a gear train positioned within the gearbox and mechanically connected between the traction motor shaft and the quill, and a connector positioned in the gear train, wherein in a coupled configuration the connector communicates torque through the gear train, and wherein in a decoupled configuration the connector does not communicate torque through the gear train. A method for operating a top drive by applying a first torque to a quill with two traction motors, disconnecting one of the traction motors from the quill, and applying a second torque less than the first torque to the quill with the non-disconnected traction motor.

Abstract: A top drive for well operations having a gearbox, a traction motor connected to the gearbox so that a motor shaft of the traction motor extends into the gearbox, a quill extending into the gearbox, a gear train positioned within the gearbox and mechanically connected between the traction motor shaft and the quill, and a connector positioned in the gear train, wherein in a coupled configuration the connector communicates torque through the gear train, and wherein in a decoupled configuration the connector does not communicate torque through the gear train. A method for operating a top drive by applying a first torque to a quill with two traction motors, disconnecting one of the traction motors from the quill, and applying a second torque less than 50% of the first torque to the quill with the non-disconnected traction motor.

Abstract: A system includes a first transmission having a first planetary gearset, a first drive shaft, and a first annular sleeve. The first annular sleeve is positioned circumferentially about the first drive shaft, and the first annular sleeve is configured to move axially relative to the first drive shaft and the first planetary gearset from a first axial position in which the first annular sleeve engages a first sun gear of the first planetary gearset to a second axial position in which the first annular sleeve engages a first ring gear of the first planetary gearset to adjust a gear ratio of the first transmission.

Abstract: A system includes a first transmission having a first planetary gearset, a first drive shaft, and a first annular sleeve. The first annular sleeve is positioned circumferentially about the first drive shaft, and the first annular sleeve is configured to move axially relative to the first drive shaft and the first planetary gearset from a first axial position in which the first annular sleeve engages a first sun gear of the first planetary gearset to a second axial position in which the first annular sleeve engages a first ring gear of the first planetary gearset to adjust a gear ratio of the first transmission.