A pump jack for driving a reciprocating pump is provided. The pump jack comprises a support base and a support frame mounted thereto. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted to the support frame. A pulley mechanism is connected to a piston of the hydraulic cylinder, the support frame, and to a sucker rod of the reciprocating pump. The pulley mechanism translates movement of the piston into movement of the sucker rod such that pushing action of the piston provides pulling action acting on the sucker rod. A drive mechanism connected to the hydraulic cylinder for actuating the hydraulic cylinder.
