Abstract: A load carrying platform shuttle (10) has a static frame (12) and a movable carriage (14). The frame is securable to a mounting location, such as a given working level of a multi-storey building under construction, and the carriage is arranged to telescope into the static frame between an extended position outboard of the mounting location and a retracted position inboard of the mounting location. The movable carriage can move between the extended position and the retracted position while carrying a load. The shuttle includes a motor (76) and gear assembly (72, 74, 78) for driving the movement of the carriage between the extended position and the retracted position while carrying the load.