Abstract: A container handling apparatus adapted to be supported on a rear loading refuse truck and for gripping a container and for causing the container to be dumped into the refuse truck. The apparatus includes a pair of clamping arms supported for movement between a first position spaced from opposite sides of the container and a clamping position where they clampingly engage the container. Apparatus is also provided for causing such movement of the clamping arms, that apparatus including a fluid cylinder including an extendable piston, the clamping arms being moved from the first position to the clamping position when the extendable piston moves from the retracted position to an intermediate position, and the clamping arms moved from the container gripping position to the dumping position as the piston moves to an extended position.