Abstract: Underground pipe is withdrawn in a continuous pipe portion without excavating the full length of the pipe by positioning in an opening at one end of the pipe portion a boom mounted on a vehicle. The boom carries a lower reaction member which projects forwardly from a rear end of the opening into contact with a brace at the front face of the opening. A winch mounted on the vehicle operates on a cable passing over pulleys carried on the boom including a pulley at the lowermost end of the boom at the rear end of the reaction member. The cable is passed through the pipe portion to an abutment member on the far end so the whole of the pipe portion can be pulled in one action. The abutment member can carry a plug or guide for a replacement pipe portion.