Abstract: An improved actuating mechanism for the bucket assembly of a refuse vehicle includes a variable torque applying linkage connected to a hydraulic cylinder wherein the linkage is comprised of a crankarm fixed to a rotatable shaft, on which the bucket assembly is mounted, and a connecting link which has one end connected to the crankarm and its other end connected to the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder. The linkage is connected in such a manner that the link functions both as a two force and a three force member during a complete cycle of operation, and in so doing, is operable to change the moment arm of the force applied by the cylinder which, in turn, varies the torque applied to the shaft; the greatest torque being applied during a compression stroke of the bucket assembly.