Abstract: A reel take-up apparatus includes a frame, a drive mechanism, a hydraulic counterbalance system, and a pair of positioning actuators. The frame may be configured to receive a reel from one end. The drive mechanism is generally slidably mounted to the frame and configured to rotate the reel. The hydraulic counterbalance system is generally configured to counterbalance a weight of the drive mechanism to allow the drive mechanism to float freely on the frame. The pair of positioning actuators may be configured to move a pair of support rollers toward and away from each other so as to (i) lift the reel from a support surface, (ii) support the reel during rotation by the drive mechanism, and (iii) lower the reel to the support surface for removal from the frame.

Abstract: A reel take-up apparatus includes a frame, a drive mechanism, a pair of support rollers, and a pair of positioning actuators. The frame may be configured to receive a reel from one end. The drive mechanism is generally slidably mounted to the frame and configured to rotate the reel. The pair of support rollers generally extend from the frame and may be configured to provide support to the reel while allowing the reel to rotate. The pair of positioning actuators may be configured to move the pair of support rollers toward and away from each other so as to (i) lift the reel from a support surface, (ii) support the reel during rotation by the drive mechanism, and (iii) lower the reel to the support surface for removal from the frame.