CABLE PUSHER AND RELATED METHODS

An apparatus serves to grip a cable for delivery into a borehole in a surface of a mine passage in connection with an actuator, such as a drill mast having a carriage capable of being advanced and retracted along the drill mast. A pusher is formed from a pair of jaws for engaging the cable. The jaws may be biased toward a first position for engaging the cable during an advance of the carriage, and automatically movable to a second position for releasing from engagement with the cable during a retraction of the carriage. The pusher may be pivotally mounted to a carriage capable of being advanced and retracted along a drill mast, which movement may cause the jaws to self-actuate for engaging and advancing the cable during an upstroke and release therefrom during a downstroke. Related methods are also disclosed.