rope pump

A rope pump might be the ideal solution to my problem. I want to raise pond water a small vertical distance <8' and use it for irrigation. In the ballpark of 1000 gallons a day would be alright. I could fabricate part of it. But, I'd really like to order a kit. Especially one with custom plastic washers. Cone or ball shaped washers are much better than disc shaped. These types of pumps are very common in central America, but I cannot find anything available on the US market.

With a sprocket or a belt pulley, or both, there are numerous power options from bicycles to windmills.



http://www.ropepumps.org/

If I don't get a rope pump, the next leading option is a solar powered system 100W 12VDC and a timer switch. Marine pumps seem to have about the capability I'm looking for. I definitely need durability. Does anyone have recommendations?

Now there is a simple, clever solution that I had never seen before. Seems a perfect wind power candidate.

That seems really interesting, similar principle to a corkscrew pump I saw a long time ago. The only thing I could think of is maybe having some kind of funnel at the entrance to help keep the balls from getting stuck. Oh yeah and I 2nd the wind power comment.

Never having seen the idea before, I immediately thought of tennis balls on the rope with appropriately sized pipe. A wooden pulley with cutouts for the tennis balls should work well.
If I ever get some free time I might build one.