A reel take-up apparatus includes a frame, a drive mechanism, a hydraulic counterbalance system, and a pair of positioning actuators. The frame may be configured to receive a reel from one end. The drive mechanism is generally slidably mounted to the frame and configured to rotate the reel. The hydraulic counterbalance system is generally configured to counterbalance a weight of the drive mechanism to allow the drive mechanism to float freely on the frame. The pair of positioning actuators may be configured to move a pair of support rollers toward and away from each other so as to (i) lift the reel from a support surface, (ii) support the reel during rotation by the drive mechanism, and (iii) lower the reel to the support surface for removal from the frame.