The classic American windmill isn't for grain — it's for water. The Amish use them everywhere.
How It Works
Wind wheel (2-4 m diameter) spins. Crank converts rotation to reciprocating motion. Rod raises and lowers a piston in the well. Each stroke — a portion of water up.
Output
At 15-20 km/h wind: 3,000-5,000 liters/day. Enough for family + livestock + garden. In calm — storage tank (2-3 day reserve).
Maintenance
Grease bearings every 6 months. Replace piston leather seal every 2-3 years. That's it. Tower lasts 30-50 years, mechanism 15-20.
Cost
New: $3,000-6,000 installed. Used: $500-1,500. Electric pump costs $300-500/year. Windmill — $0/year. Pays for itself in 5-10 years, then free water forever.