Abstract: A mobile x-ray device includes a telescopic column including a fixed portion and an telescopic portion vertically moveable relative to the fixed portion, a telescopic arm moveably connected to the upper telescopic portion of the telescopic column, a head assembly for obtaining x-ray images on the telescoping arm, a wire rope connected to the telescopic portion and the telescoping arm for providing the vertical movement of the telescopic portion and telescoping arm, and a counterbalancing mechanism for balancing the weight of the telescopic portion and the telescopic arm during movement thereof. The counterbalancing mechanism includes a block and tackle connected to the wire rope and a compression spring connected to and extending between the fixed portion and the block and tackle for storing potential gravitational energy of the telescopic portion and telescoping arm during either synchronous or non-synchronous movement of the upper telescopic portion and telescoping arm.