Abstract: A vehicle mounted apparatus for loading and unloading containers onto and from the vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a tilting frame mounted on the vehicle having a plurality of longitudinal beams and a single fluid piston and cylinder arrangement for tilting the frame. The single fluid cylinder and piston are disposed longitudinally on the frame and have at least one pulley mounted on the piston and at least one pulley mounted on the cylinder. The single cylinder and piston arrangement further comprises a first guide associated with the piston and the beams for guiding the piston during its extension and a second guide associated with the container and the beams to guide the container as it is rolled onto the tilting frame. The frame also comprises a retractable extension having beveled end portions with wheels mounted thereon to permit the extension to roll on the ground surface when the frame is tilted.