Abstract: A panel lifter has a base, a mast extending upward from the base and including at least one lower section fixed in the base and at least one movable section telescoping with the lower section and having a laterally directed section face, a panel-support rack mounted at an upper end of the mast, and a crank mechanism on the base and a cable connected between the mechanism and the mast for vertically extending the mast by raising the movable mast section upward relative to the base. A brake jaw at an upper end of the lower section has a jaw face and is pivotal about a horizontal axis below the jaw face between a braking position with the jaw face bearing laterally on the section face and a freeing position with the jaw face pivoted back out of contact with the section face. An actuating handle projecting generally radially of the axis from the jaw is provided so that the jaw can be moved between its positions via the handle. A biasing system urges the jaw into the braking position.