The invention relates to a work machine, comprising a mast having a mast head, a support cable which is guided along the mast, over the mast head, a cable winch comprising a rotatably mounted winding drum to which the support cable is attached for winding up and unwinding, a work element which is arranged on the support cable for vertical movement, and a control unit, by means of which the cable winch can be operated in an unwinding mode, for unwinding the support cable from the winding drum, in which mode the work element is lowered, on the support cable, as far as a base surface. According to the invention, a cable contact pressure means comprising at least one contact pressure element is provided, which element can be adjusted into a contact pressure position by the control unit, by means of an actuating member, in order to counteract a cable oscillation of the support cable when the base surface is struck, in which contact pressure position the contact pressure element rests on the support cable at a contact pressure force.