Abstract: Cable drum handling apparatus comprises opposed drum supports each comprising a parallel linkage in which parallel links are pivoted on a subframe and on support means for a pintle. Pintles are mounted coaxially on each support means. A motor rotates worms which engage extensions of the link to move the pintles towards and away from one another to move them into and out of supporting engagement with a drum between the supports. A motor on one of the supports can rotate the drum. The sub-frame is pivoted about an axis A on a main frame which can be readily moved. An air cylinder can pivot the subframe about the axis A to raise and lower the drum. The apparatus is simple and relatively inexpensive.