Abstract: On extracting, reeling up, pulling in etc., of a heavy cable a main frame that can be set up or that may already be present on a vehicle may be used. The main frame comprises a base unit made up of a number of beams, and two bearing brackets projecting upwards from its long sides. A drum for the cable is supported free to rotate on the bearing brackets. The drum is provided with drive gear which comprises a motor unit and a transmission component. A pulling device is connected to a core of the cable and to a pull-free mechanism secured to the main frame. By means of the pull-free mechanism the cable can be given a small longitudinal displacement which enables the cable to be pulled free of its duct. After pulling free the pulling device is disconnected and the cable is pulled up towards and anchored on the drum, after which the motor unit is operated to turn the drum. The major part of the longitudinal displacement of the cable is then achieved by reeling the cable directly up on to the drum.