Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting apparatus which can be used to handle, for example, containers, steel ingots, packages, logs, pulp, steel sheets, and so forth. It consists of a lifting arrangement, a hinge block, and lower lifting arms pivotably connected at either end of the hinge block. Adjustable tie rods connect a respective side of the lifting arrangement to a respective lower lifting arm. A lifting rod extends through both the hinge block and the lifting arrangement, and is movable relative to the upper lifting arm, and movable downward relative to the hinge block. A collar on the rod engages the bottom of the hinge block so that the hinge block moves upwardly with the lifting rod when the collar is in contact with the hinge block. A hydraulic cylinder has the top end of its piston connected to the upper lifting arm, and the bottom end of its fluid cylinder connected to the bottom end of the lifting rod, and a valve is included in the line between the hydraulic fluid reservoir and the fluid cylinder.