Abstract: The vertically swingable boom of the apparatus is articulated to present a joint that is spaced outwardly from the horizontal swinging axis of the lift cylinder for the boom. A rigid link transversely and pivotally interconnects the lift cylinder and the inner section of the boom to control articulation of the latter about the joint during swinging of the boom. Consequently, the moment between the line of action of the lift cylinder and the boom remains favorably high at all locations on the path of swinging travel of the boom and the lift cylinder can swing through an arc approaching 180.degree. during its operation of the boom.

Abstract: The front and rear sections of the vehicle are normally free to rock relative to one another about a fore-and-aft extending, horizontal axis to the extent necessary to compensate for lateral variations in ground contour between the front and rear of the vehicle. However, when a lift on the front of the vehicle is operated and it reaches a predetermined height, a fluid-pressure circuit is activated to frictionally engage a pair of brake parts on the two sections of the vehicle so as to hold the same against free rocking, thereby making the combined masses of the two sections available to counterbalance any tendency of the lifted load to tip the vehicle over sideways as the load is raised.