A "Cable pulling machine" is a powerful, specialized piece of equipment designed to generate and precisely control the force required to pull electrical cables or conductors. While the term "stringing" is typically associated with overhead lines, "pulling" often refers to the broader application, including underground installations, and the action of drawing a cable.

• In underground cable laying: This is its primary and most common application. The machine is positioned at the receiving end of a conduit, duct, or trench. It applies a controlled pulling force to draw the cable (power, telecommunications, fiber optic) through the underground pathway, overcoming friction and resistance over long distances and around bends. This reduces manual labor, speeds up installation, and protects the cable from damage.

• In Overhead transmission line (OHTL) Installation: While "Conductor Stringing Machines" (pullers and OHTLstringingequipment.com/Hydraulic-Conductor-Tensioners.html target='_blank'>Tensioners) are primarily used here, a "Cable pulling machine" can also refer to the pulling unit at the end of an OHTL section. It pulls the pilot rope, and subsequently the conductor, across the Stringing Blocks. Its role is to pull the conductor into place, working in synchronization with a tensioning machine at the other end to maintain controlled sag.

Essentially, a Cable Pulling Machine is the force generator that makes the precise and safe movement of heavy or delicate cables/conductors possible, whether they are being buried or strung overhead.