Midland in Midland County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Wichtex 18 Spudder

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 12, 2015

1. Wichtex 18 Spudder Marker

Inscription.
Manufacturer: Wichtex Machinery Co. Wichita Falls, Texas
Date of Use: Unknown, probably late 1920's to 1950's
Maximum Depth: 4,000 ft.

Spudders were developed in the 1920's as easily moved and set up cable tool drilling machines. Modern versions are still used today.
Note the two steel beams running on top of the spudder. These “walking beams” are moved up and down by arms connected to a crank. They pull the drilling line and drill bit up and down in a hammering motion. The heavy bit hangs ready to pound its way into the ground.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 31° 58.427′ N, 102° 5.147′ W. Marker is in Midland, Texas, in Midland County. Marker can be reached from West Interstate 20. Marker is located north of the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1500 West Interstate 20, Midland TX 79701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Oil Patch (a few steps from this marker); Wichtex 66 Spudder (within shouting distance of this marker); Forth Worth “Super D” Spudder (within shouting distance of this marker); Star Spudder (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Keystone No. 5 ½ Traction (within shouting distance of this marker); National Portable Drilling Machines (within shouting distance of this marker); Texas Petroleum in World War II (approx. ¼ mile away); Midland Christian College (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Midland.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Wichtex 18 Spudder image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 12, 2015

2. Wichtex 18 Spudder

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 455 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.