Abstract: The upper ends of a pair of grapple tongs are joined through means of a pair of cross link assemblies and an extensible and retractable hydraulic actuator. A pair of suspension link assemblies respectively have lower ends pivotally connected to the upper ends of the pair of tongs and have upper ends pivotally connected to a yoke which is connected to an output shaft of a rotary joint. The geometry of the pivotal connections of the cross and suspension link assemblies with the pair of tongs is such that the actuator undergoes very little vertical translation during the operation thereof and a pair of relatively short fluid hoses extend between the lower end of the rotary joint output shaft and the actuator and pass through the yoke.