Abstract: In a line pulling apparatus comprising a capstan and a pulley that rotate in unison on the stationary sleeve of a conventional capstan drive unit, line is wrapped around both the capstan and pulley for positive gripping of the line. A stationary plate member disposed between the capstan and pulley, contains a set of gears that extend above and below the plate member for stable, three-point engagement with teeth formed in the capstan and pulley. A line guide mechanism including a cut-out section on the plate member guides line from the capstan to the pulley. An upstanding member formed on the plate member holds the line in the pulley during rotation.

Abstract: The assembly for pulling a line comprises a frame, a power unit mounted on the frame and means for guiding a line from the power unit along the frame structure. The frame has a structural configuration that is adjustable to a plurality of working positions. The frame includes a base frame section, a boom frame section, a conduit adaptor frame section and means to hold the frame sections in a desired position with respect to each other.