Abstract: A vibration sensor connected to a hydrocarbon recovery equipment operating on a surface of the Earth senses a portion of vibrations of the hydrocarbon recovery equipment when performing operations to recover hydrocarbons from a subterranean zone. The vibration sensor transmits the portion of vibrations to a vibration controller on the surface. The vibration controller is disposed on the surface of the Earth. The vibration controller compares the portion of vibrations sensed by the vibration sensor to a stored threshold vibration level associated with the hydrocarbon recovery equipment. Based on a result of the comparing, the vibration controller transmits an alert signal to an alarm system on the surface. In response to receiving the alert signal, the alarm system emits an acoustic or optical alarm signal representing the result of the comparing.