This invention relates to a cable drive unit (1) for use with a free stall cleaning system (101). The cable drive unit (1) includes a base frame (3), a support frame (5) being displaceable with respect to the base frame (3) via a corresponding displacement assembly (7), and a drum (9) pivotably mountable about the support frame (5) and displaceable therewith for receiving a cable (11) to be wound about said drum (9). Also described is a kit for assembling a cable drive unit (1) and a free stall cleaning system (101). The invention further includes a method of winding a cable (11) of a free stall cleaning system (101) about a drum (9) via the present cable drive unit (1).