Abstract: A windmill is disclosed having a counterbalancing mechanism which allows it to pump effectively under minimal wind velocity. The windmill includes blades which undergo rotational movement when actuated by the wind, a transmission for converting rotational movement of the blades to reciprocal motion of a pumping rod, a support structure or tower for supporting the blades, transmission, and rod, a counterbalancing mechanism functionally connected to the support structure and rod such that the weight of the rod and liquid column within the well is effectively counterbalanced, and a collar surrounding the rod and supported by the support structure to prevent vibration of the rod during reciprocation. The counterbalancing mechanism may include a pair of rods which are pivotably supported on the supporting structure of the windmill and pivotably mounted to the pumping rod. Weights are attached to the portions of the rods extending exteriorly from the supporting structure.