Abstract: An extracting machine for withdrawing an electric traction motor from a wheel spindle in which that motor is normally positioned, includes a frame, a carriage mounted upon the frame to move forwardly and rearwardly, a head mounted on the carriage such that it can be rotated, and arms mounted upon the head such that they can be spread apart or moved together. The frame mounts upon the tines of a fork lift truck which is maneuvered to locate the extracting machine opposite to the end of the spindle. Once the motor has been jacked a few inches out of the spindle, the head is rotated so that the free ends of the arms will fit into the motor, whereupon the carriage is advanced on the frame until stops on the arms bear against the end of the motor. This positions pads that are upon the arms opposite to an inwardly presented machined surface in the motor. Then the arms are spread apart, enabling the pads at their free ends to tightly grip the machined surface in the motor.