The reeler is pneumatically powered by a radial piston motor coupled through a torque limiting clutch onto a right angle planetary gearbox. A pinion is mounted on the output of the gearbox which drives the drum mounted gearwheel. Operation of the reeler can be undertaken at the reeler local or remote control station. Access to the drum for connecting the jumper is pneumatically interlocked, to prevent inadvertent operation of the reeler with the jumper attached.
There is an additional emergency brake fitted which can be applied from the local or remote control station. The reeler has a constant tension mode, which is adjustable from the local control station.
The auto-layering device provided takes its transmission from the main drum shaft with the spooling head travel therefore synchronized with the cable diameter. In the event the spooling gear becomes misaligned the powered override system allows the operator to remotely realign the spooling head.