FIELD: metallurgy. SUBSTANCE: machine has carriage with support mounted on carriage for supporting rod in front part of carriage, rear support movable relative carriage and provided with device for clamping rear part of rod, and gripper mounted on carriage for sliding and adapted to clamp rod in any location between front and rear supports. Engine positioned in rear part of carriage drives endless chain extending axially of carriage. Gripper connected with endless chain is reciprocating during penetration of rod into furnace taphole between gripping position (B) in front part of carriage and position (A) at a distance of L from position (B). EFFECT: increased efficiency, simplified construction and enhanced reliability in operation. 11 cl, 8 dwg
