Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and preparing cables use a grip head having a cable gripping device which is swingable by a drive between end positions delimited by a shock absorber and which is mounted on one end on a shaft rotatable about an axis extending rectangularly to a cable run. A force-transmitting element is coupled to be swingable with the grip head in spaced relationship to the mentioned axis, and a link is disposed between the force-transmitting element and the shock absorber. The force-transmitting element is positionable in a mid-position between end positions thereof opposite to the shock absorber and on a line intersecting the mentioned axis at right angles. The force-transmitting element may be arranged on a drive power link which is mounted on the same end of the shaft as the grip head.

Abstract: Arranged along a cable path of travel is a first cable guide, a pair of retractable transport rolls, a second cable guide, and a cable gripper unit possessing actuatable grippers. The gripper unit is pivotable throughout a predetermined pivot angle about a pivot axis arranged perpendicular to the cable path of travel and into a cable fitting or processing position. There is also provided a cutter unit. All of these components are arranged in succession in the feed or travel direction of the cable as it moves along the cable path of travel. The pivot axis of the gripper unit is arranged between the end of the first cable guide and the clamping point or nip of the pair of transport rolls. The cable fitting or processing position encloses with the cable path of travel an angle of approximately 90.degree.. The pivot axis piercingly extends through the cable path of travel.