Abstract: A variable reach rough terrain load lifting apparatus comprising a vehicle having a frame; a boom having innermost, intermediate and outermost telescoping boom segments; and means for pivotally connecting the outermost boom segment to the vehicle frame and capable of reciprocal longitudinal movement therewith. The outermost boom segment has first and second hydraulic cylinders mounted therein for extending and retracting the intermediate and innermost boom segments, respectively. The pivotal connection means facilitates pivotal movement of the boom with respect to the vehicle while preventing buildup of corrosion products which would interfere therewith and further to facilitate repair or replacement thereof due to normal operation. The innermost boom includes end effector means attached to the forward end thereof by means for quick connection and disconnection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, in combination, a vehicle utilizing a first hydraulic cylinder to operate lifting means and a second hydraulic cylinder to operate end effector means, each of the cylinders including a piston, the pistons when moved toward their "up" sides causing the lifting means and end defector means to move in a first direction and when moved toward their "down" sides causing the lifting means and means to move in a second direction, and a load self-leveling system for the vehicle, the system comprising a pair of fluid flow dividers interposed in flow lines between a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure and the first and second hydraulic cylinders, the flow dividers being structured to direct a greater flow of hydraulic fluid to the first cylinder and a lesser flow to the second cylinder, each of the flow dividers comprising adjustable spool valve means located in flow passages between the source of hydraulic fluid and the first and second hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A load self-leveling system for a vehicle utilizing hydraulic cylinders to operate a telescopic lifting boom and a material handling carriage. The system includes a pair of fluid flow dividers interposed between the source of hydraulic fluid under pressure and the hydraulic cylinders operating the boom and carriage. The flow dividers are structured to direct a greater flow of hydraulic fluid to the boom cylinder and a lesser flow to the carriage cylinder, the precise numeric proportions of flow division being engineered to best suit a particular vehicle, combined with the specific componentry of that vehicle. In addition to the flow dividers, the system includes reversible flow piloted check valves, override control including override relief valves to allow independent adjustments, and matched cylinder area ratios. A compact assembly housing various of the components comprising the system is disclosed.