Built in 1903, the Fitzgerald Rig was able to provide the power for pumping as many as three hundred wells from its two drive wheels, each 6.6 metres in diameter. The jerker lines, which were directly connected to each side of the drive wheel, branched out in several directions through the walls at the end of the rig building.
The use of these pumping rigs greatly increased the efficiency of the industry. Originally one steam-powered engine had to be used at each well. This was expensive and posed a constant fire hazard. The jerker-rod system brought about a drastic reduction in production costs. Then the gasoline engine introduced further economies. Today the pump is powered by electricity and operates continuously with minimal maintenance.
