Randy -

Sounds to me like you’ve given it plenty of thought.

I didn’t know of your creek crossing with the pipes.
I will say, on that regard, that a raised V-Bridge (like the rope bridges we made in Scouts, but the bottom supported rope is actually the steel pipe) might work there. We did one that ran over a ~70’ wide ravine and it held for years with ¼” cable for the cross runs and 3/16” cable for the supporting drop lines. The land based X members were welded C channel steel beam.
But back to the windmill – Go with a Aermotor B or maybe a D (10’ and 12’). A D’s ~12” stroke will pull plenty of water. Call them for details on that with your needs are and they will lead you straight to what you need.
That head will probably run you about $7K. The tower at 35’ will run around $3500.
So, 10K plus the well, tank, plumbing and a hand full of nick-nacks (Anchors, lines, leads, standoffs, foundations, etc.) should do it.
I recommend looking into used. There are a few refurbishment outfits with good deals on ready to mount used units. One is on 377 between Ft.w Worth and Stephenville that I know of and like. I’m sure you can find one closer to you though.
Let me know If there is anything I can help you out with from here out. They aren’t cheap – But they sure look nice. (not to mention help with property value!!)

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1980 300D - Veggie Burner !

I did a little surfing for used but your place didn't turn up. If you could get me their name and phone, I'd be much obliged. Next, I need to get the drilling contractor off of TDC and find out how far down I need to go to decide what sort of 'mill it will take.

Also, I have a 26' float so, hauling a tower 200 miles isn't an issue either.

Here's a weird deal: we just bought a little craftsman bungalow in Cameron to move Colleen's Mom into. The thing is actually on three lots and there's a well on one of the lots. It looks like the water level is only about 20ft below the ground surface and there is an almost new jet pump and pressure tank in a vault next to the well. Now I understand why several of the homes around there have stunning St Augustine lawns...they sure aren't watering that grass with city water!!!!

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Fling-wing'n up 281 from SanAntonio today. Will scoot east at 377 to see if I can spot it. Will drop in for their card, if so. (Space permitting.)

Stand by.

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1980 300D - Veggie Burner !

I checked some pricing and you'd be looking at around $2k for an average system and less than $5k for something top-of-the-line. Both DIY and pretty much maintenance free. Parts include a couple of panels, linear current booster and a choice of pumps based on lift height and flow requirements.

It comes down to how much you're willing to spend for the system, the trouble to install it and maintain it, aesthetic and property values.

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

Swing and a miss - strike one....

Well, we buzzed up and down 377 from Stephenville to darn near Ft.Worth, and I’m guessing the place I knew of is now out of business or moved.

I did drop into a drill pipe and drilling service in/near Bluff Dale and all they could tell me about was the Tolar Windmill Farm (Chuck Rickgauer’s place. 254-835-4168). He does do restorations, relocations and parts for windmills, so he may be a good contact for you. He certainly can head you in the right direction.

Other than that, I did have some explaining to do with a couple of Hood County’s finest for leaving my 12 year old daughter at the controls of an MD530F turning at ground idle, while I ran in to the drillers and chatted about a windmill shop. Ooops...

Once I explained that she could spool it up and probably fly it better than they could... and then giving them a ride to photograph a large burn area near by, (Someone tossed a cig out on 377 and took out a hundred plus acres.)... we happily parted ways.

Darby says maybe the joint was west of Stephenville, but I don’t think so. Next time I’m down that way, I’ll for sure keep an eye out though.

But, give Chuck a call though for sure. If it’s used ‘mills you’re into, I’m thinking he’s your guy.

http://www.thewindmillfarm.com/

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1980 300D - Veggie Burner !

Thanks for the background on solar pumping. I guess I pretty much have my mind made up on a mechanical windmill at this point but that's good stuff to know about anyway.

WVO,
Thinks for looking. I'd come across Chuck's site in my searches but didn't thik about him being a resource. Will give a call...

And, I've discovered, wouldn't you know, a windmill forum...random searches uncover a Mercedesshop sort of place. Check it out: Windmill Forum

Found that place while looking for info on a product called a WindEngine 702. Apparently, the WindEngine is an Aermotor manufactured in Monterrey, MX. From what I can gather from that forum, the WindEngine may be superior to an Aermotor...parts assemble with less diddling, better galvanization, better babbit material, etc. Somebody near Ft Worth (maybe this is the guys you were looking for) has had one on a tower next to their shop running on and off for 12 years (not pumping water).

Here's what he said:
WindEngine prices are 1/2 of an Aermotor.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Bought a used 8' Aermotor and 27' tower last week. The deal came with 200' of sucker rod and a well cylinder. $3500.

It's on the ground in the fellow's shop west of Austin and I looked it over pretty well...of course, if it was supposed to have rabbit fur bearings I wouldn't have known them from steel magnolia inserts. Nevertheless, all the parts are there and it's only got three bullet holes in the tail.

Don;t know if I'll have time to sign the contract for the well before I go on vacation but I do plan to have this jewel pumping water by the end of the year.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Cool!

This morning I listened to the Purdue ag extension agent for Benton county talk about windmills up in that area. Very interesting stuff.

I think I'll post on my other big windmill thread about it later.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Well, (no pun intended) after some cogitating and Mr. Powell's trip to Ft. Stockton, the 8' Aermotor we turned into a 10' with a 33' tower. I hauled it up here from Austin last week. The drillers start tomorrow and maybe, by the end of the year, I'll be pumping water.

Only two bullet holes in this one.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Let me be the first to say ....

COOL!

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

..well, not just yet. Maybe Monday.

Drillers moved the rig in on 11-19 and will start drilling on Monday (hopefully).

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Well is done. They finished it on 12-1 and managed to pretty much destroy my roads getting the rig out of that pasture. Mucking the roads with that equipment was unavoidable with all the rain we've been having.

Have a handshake agreement with an outfit out of Brady to come and erect the tower and mill and run the sucker rod sometime next week.

I may be getting a windmill for Christmas!!!!!

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

BHF's windmill is in place and pumps water. Thomas Well Service finished the erection and installation last Friday.

I'm in awe of it.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

I am very jealous!

Lovely things, those old windmills. I saw several derelict ones this weekend on my drive over to Ohio and back.

Occasionally I will see one still in operating condition.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

A coworker used to have a print of a painting of an old windmill on his office wall. The title of the picture was "How the West was Won".
Pretty cool. I've always loved windmills.

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1983 M-B 240D-Gone too.
1976 M-B 300D-Departed.

"Good" is the worst enemy of "Great".