Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting a heavy object. The lifting apparatus including a frame assembly having a pair of side beams spaced parallel to one another. A sliding sheave assembly is mounted to the frame assembly. The sliding sheave assembly is positioned between the pair of side beams. The sliding sheave assembly has a first shaft with a plurality of first sheaves mounted thereto and a second shaft with a plurality of second sheaves mounted thereto. The first and second shafts are separated by a distance which can be varied. A cylinder has a first end connected to the frame assembly and a rod end attached to the sliding sheave assembly. The cylinder rod end is capable of moving longitudinally relative to the first end to thereby alter the distance between the first and second shafts. A cable having first and second ends attached to the frame assembly is reeved between the pluralities of first and second sheaves.