Abstract: A pump of the reciprocating plunger type for use in an oil well in which structure is provided for pulling downwardly on the pump plunger during its downward stroke rather than relying upon the pump rod or sucker rod to push the plunger downwardly thereby eliminating lateral deflection of the pump rod or sucker rod and resultant wear and damage which frequently occurs especially when pumping heavy crude oil or the like. One embodiment of this structure involves a tension member connected with the walking beam and extending downwardly below the plunger, around a roller assembly or the like and then back upwardly for connection with the bottom of the plunger so that as the walking beam moves downwardly to move the pump plunger downwardly, the tension member will be tensioned for pulling the plunger downwardly without applying compressive force to the pump rod or sucker rod.