An apparatus for removing or installing a turbine blade from a turbine of a turbomachine is disclosed. The apparatus can include: an operative head configured to engage an axial sidewall of a turbine blade base. An actuator is configured to move the operative head to selectively engage the axial sidewall of the turbine blade base and impart an axial force against the turbine blade base to remove or install the turbine blade. A support gantry is configured to position the actuator substantially vertically above the turbine blade in position in the turbomachine. Among other advantages, the support gantry allows adjustment of the apparatus for different turbines, and use of the head on more than one stage of any given turbine.