The right machine for a vertical pull depends on the project's scale, location, and the cable's weight. The three main types are:

• Hydraulic Capstan Winches: These are the most common and versatile machines for heavy-duty vertical pulls in manholes, shafts, or on towers. They use a powerful hydraulic motor to drive a capstan head, offering smooth, controlled, and constant tension. The unlimited rope length allows for very long pulls, while the machine's precision is essential for managing the cable's weight.

• Portable Electric Pullers: These machines are lightweight and highly portable, making them ideal for vertical pulls in confined spaces like substations, utility vaults, or inside buildings. They typically have a lower pulling capacity than hydraulic units but are excellent for managing smaller to medium-sized cables in locations without a power supply, as some models are battery-powered.

• Truck-Mounted Pullers: For major vertical projects, a truck-mounted hydraulic puller is the most powerful option. The entire system—including the winch, power unit, and often a crane or davit arm—is integrated onto a single chassis, making it a self-sufficient solution for high-capacity lifts on construction sites or in large substations.