Abstract: In a hydraulic cylinder actuation system for a crane having a conventionally charged main hydraulic pump, a supplemental pump or "charge boost" pump is provided. To efficiently achieve fast actuation speeds of the cylinder, the charge boost pump provides supplemental charge flow in response to a need in the system. The charge boost pump is driven independently from the main pump or may be driven by the main pump if the main pump is equipped with drive thru capability to provide a variable output and preferably includes a load sensing means for controlling the output.