Paper: The Causes and Cures of Pumping Unit Reducer Troubles

Although there are many different ways of artificially lifting oil from a well, the old beam type pumping unit is still by far the most popular means and probably the most reliable under all conditions. Most of these units are actuated by a gear reducer which is powered by some kind of prime mover. For years, the internal combustion engine was practically the only source of power. Recently, however, the electric motor is replacing engines to a large degree.