普通游梁式抽油机的最大冲程约为16呎(4.877米)。与抽油机相连的抽油杆柱的运动,从每一冲程的起始到中点是加速的,从中点到冲程的终点是减速的。在抽油机上采用较长的冲程,使行程速度均匀而较缓慢是有利的。但以往一些长冲程抽油机(一般为液压驱动),成效不大,而且需要为数太多的另部件和辅助装置。 The maximum stroke of an ordinary beam pumping unit is about 16 feet (4.877 meters). The movement of the sucker rod connected to the pumping unit is accelerated from the start to the middle of each stroke and from the middle to the end of the stroke is decelerated. It is advantageous to use a longer stroke on the pumping unit so that the stroke speed is uniform and slower. However, some long-stroke pumping units (usually hydraulically driven) have achieved little success and require too many other components and auxiliary devices.