Pumpjack

Production Equipment

A pumpjack (nodding donkey) is the surface drive unit for a sucker rod pump system, the most common form of artificial lift for onshore wells. It converts the rotary motion of a motor into the reciprocating vertical motion required to drive the downhole pump.

The distinctive shape includes a walking beam and a 'horse head' that keeps the polished rod pulling straight up and down. By adjusting the stroke length and speed (SPM), operators can optimize the lift rate to match the well's inflow performance.