Abstract: A traversing hoist mechanism driven by a vehicle prime mover is drivingly interconnected with a fluid power drive transmission comprising a pump which is drivingly connected to a pair of fixed displacement hydraulic motors connected in a series arrangement for driving the pumps at the same speed; whereby the fluid power drive transmission effectively moves the hoist trolley assembly fore and aft in addition to raising and lowering a lifting apparatus. A unique control line assembly allows the operator to have complete control of the fluid power drive transmission even while standing on ground level adjacent the rear of the vehicle or at any point along at least one side-wall of the cargo area, thereby permitting greater flexibility of control.