Manholes serve as crucial access points for long-distance underground pulls. A proper setup here can make or break a project.

• Positioning and Equipment: A pulling winch should be set up at the exit manhole, securely anchored to withstand the high pulling tension. The feed manhole should be equipped with cable rollers and manhole sheaves to support the cable's weight and guide it smoothly around corners, maintaining the proper bending radius.

• Reducing Sidewall Pressure: Pulling a heavy cable through a bend in a manhole generates immense "sidewall pressure," a crushing force that can damage the cable. Using appropriately sized sheaves and rollers redirects this force away from the cable, ensuring its integrity.

• Communication: A crucial, yet often overlooked, part of the setup is clear communication. With workers at the winch, at the feed end, and often at intermediate manholes, a reliable communication system is essential for coordinating the pull and stopping immediately if an issue arises.