Hairpin spike pulling tool and machine therefor

A machine for removing hairpin spikes from railroad ties includes at least one hairpin spike pulling tool supported by the machine frame, each tool being positioned on one side of the rail for pulling spikes on that side of the rail. Each of the pulling tools includes a lower end portion having a pair of exposed hooks curved toward the center of the pulling tool and abutted against each other in a pivoting relationship. Each pulling tool is supported for movement from a retracted position to a position wherein the curved hooks of that pulling tool are positionable under the loop-shaped head of a hairpin spike on opposite sides of the spike. The machine also includes apparatus for supporting the pulling tools for movement from the retracted position downwardly and toward the hairpin spikes into a position wherein the pulling tools engage the spikes with the curved hooks and then move upwardly to pull the spikes from the tie.