Abstract: A portable load handling apparatus includes a vehicle having a frame, and an elongated boom arm connected to the frame for pivotal movement about at least a first horizontal axis. The boom arm may pivot about a first vertical axis and be extendable and retractable as well. A load support member is connected to the boom arm by a wrist mechanism for pivotal movement about at least first and second generally perpendicular axes and may be pivotal about a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes. A primary power source is actuatable to pivot the boom arm about the first horizontal and vertical axes and to extend and retract the boom arm and a secondary power means is actuatable to pivotally move the support member about the first, second and third axes. A control mechanism includes a control arm connected to the frame for pivotal movement about at least a second horizontal axis, with the control arm preferably pivotal about a second vertical axis and extendable and retractable as well.

Abstract: A carrier apparatus adapted to be mounted on one end of an elongated boom arm for handling beef quarters and like loads includes an upstanding rear wall structure adapted for securement to said boom arm, a load support platform extended forwardly from the lower end of the rear wall structure, a side member extended forwardly from one side of the rear wall structure and a gate mechanism supported on the rear wall structure for movement between a loading position displaced from the forward surface of the wall structure whereby a load may be received on the platform in leaning engagement against the rear wall structure and a carrying position wherein the gate mechanism is extended forwardly and laterally across the forward surface of the wall structure for at least partially enclosing the load between the side member, wall structure and gate mechanism.