Abstract: The invention contemplates a hydraulically operated twin-cable suspension for a clamshell or the like load-handling device. In a preferred embodiment, a charged accumulator is effectively a counterweight and is the source of all hydraulic fluid needed for the full range of actuation of two traction cylinders, one for each of the respective cables. Two power integrators are employed: one is interposed between the accumulator and one of the traction cylinders, and the other is interposed between the accumulator and the other traction cylinder; hydraulic control interconnections between the respective integrator circuits enable load sharing by both cables and simplified single-lever control of plural clamshell functions, including (a) an automated closing dig into loadable material and (b) a quick opening for load discharge.