Abstract: A lifting apparatus having a least one set of paired stretchable boom assemblies which extend and contract, preferably in five stages. The boom assemblies are disposed between a chassis and a platform for raising and lowering the platform in interlocking relation with an operating mechanism, a guiding mechanism and a synchronizing mechanism. The lifting apparatus further includes a kick mechanism for auxiliarily supporting the load on the platform at a position where the platform is lowered about halfway. The kick mechanism has one end fixed to the chassis and the other end provided with a kick body capable of supporting the centers of the boom assemblies and provided with a detecting means for detecting contact between the boom assemblies and the kick mechanism.