A control circuit can be operably coupled to the drive motor, a manually actuatable trigger switch. A pull rod position sensor can be coupled to the control circuit. The pull rod position sensor can be operable to provide at least one of an extended position signal to the control circuit in response to the non-rotating pull rod and the spike puller jaws being in the extended position, and a retracted position signal to the control circuit in response to the non-rotating pull rod and the spike puller jaws being in the retracted position. A pair of operating handles can each have an operating manual gripping portion for ergonomically operating the spike puller in an upright operating orientation. A pair of carrying handles can each include a carrying manual gripping portion oriented for ergonomically carrying the spike puller in a side-laying carrying orientation that borders an opening through the plastic housing.