Abstract: The invention relates to a handling apparatus and a method for supplying drill rods or casings to a drilling rig, comprising a track for receiving and supplying a drill rod or casing, a rear sledge, on which a rear end portion of the drill rod to be supplied is mounted and which can be moved along the track by means of a sledge drive arrangement, and a front sledge, on which a front end portion of the drill rod or casing to be supplied is mounted and which can be moved along the track, wherein the rear sledge and the front sledge can be releasably connected to each other by means of a linking device.