Cable pulling machine

A cable pulling machine 100 (Figure 1) comprises a channel arranged to receive a cable 200 at a distal end of a tool 110; a cutting mechanism 114 located at a proximal end of the tool, the cutting mechanism being arranged to cut through the cable; a gripping mechanism 122 arranged to clamp the cable; and a pulling mechanism 120 arranged to move the gripping mechanism between the distal end of the tool and a proximal end of the tool so as to pull the cable towards the cutting mechanism. A draining mechanism may be included to drain fluid from the cable. A storage structure may be included. A capping mechanism to place a cap on the cut cable may be included. An excavation mechanism may be included. The device may be controlled remotely. The device may be used to lay a cable.