A machine and a method for earth-working with a machine, having a mast, along which a top drive can be moved vertically by an adjusting device, through which top drive a telescopic kelly bar is displaceably guided, which has at least one outer kelly bar, which is designed to come to lie on the top drive, and one inner kelly bar, which comprises a rope suspension for a rope, through which the inner kelly bar is moved vertically by a rope winch. The adjusting device for the top drive and/or the main rope winch for the kelly bar is/are automatically controlled, wherein the inner kelly bar is moved relative to the top drive in some areas in a rapid travel mode at a first speed and in some areas in a conservative travel mode, in which the speed is reduced in comparison with the first speed.