Abstract: Apparatus for converting the pushing action of a hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly to a pulling action. First and second substantially parallel rails are connected together adjacent to first ends thereof, and the rails are attached to a stationary reference object. First and second substantially parallel bars are connected together by guide means, and the guide means are in operative relationship with the bars and the rails for slidably positioning and guiding the first rail and the first bar in face-to-face relationship with respect to each other and for slidably positioning and guiding the second rail and the second bar in face-to-face relationship with respect to each other. Piston-cylinder assembly receiving means are in operative relationship with the rails and the bars for receiving and supporting a conventional piston-cylinder assembly and for enabling the rails and bars to move relative to one another to shorten the combined length of the apparatus.