A pipe handling assembly for transporting pipe sections to and from the
drill string of a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a
magazine, a cradle for supporting the magazine, a support member, a drive
system, and a transfer assembly. The drive system may move the cradle and
the magazine laterally on the support member or may pivot the magazine.
The transfer assembly transfers pipe sections between the magazine and
the spindle connection area. The magazine and the support frame are
disposed above the spindle connection area such that only empty columns
of the magazine are outside of the footprint of the boring machine. The
magazine may be removed from the cradle when empty or full to continue
with the boring operation.