The Aermotor Pumping Engine

The Aermotor Windmill Co. has continuously manufactured windmills since 1888 and its products are a common sight in the U.S. — especially in the Midwest. Although many people are familiar with Aermotor windmills, few are aware that the firm also manufactured gasoline engines from early 1900 into the 1940s. These included general-purpose engines and engines specifically designed to pump water. The original design for the engines is attributed to the founder of the Aermotor Company, LaVerne Noyes.

For over 100 years, Aermotor windmills have been based on a rather simple design. The wheel (fan) is mounted at the top of a tower where it is exposed to strong and consistent wind currents. Steel blades (sails) are set at an angle on the wheel and when the wind catches