Abstract: A hydraulic lift truck of relatively light weight construction comprising a minimum number of operating parts is disclosed. A piston pump includes a follower which rides upon a curved cam surface to pressurize a hydraulic system when the handle is arcuately reciprocated. A hydraulic pressure release is activated from the handle to lower the lift ram most conveniently. Bleed holes positioned at the full lift position of the ram delineate the upper limit for travel of the lift ram. An overload hydraulic by-pass is provided to release and dump high pressure fluid directly into the fluid reservoir in the event of overload. The fluid reservoir is integral with the handle and the pump is sealed whereby the handle and pump may be easily separable for ease in shipment and servicing.