Abstract: A lifting apparatus (10) for lifting an endless conveyor belt (11) supported on a support frame structure (15) including two spaced apart frame members (33). The lifting apparatus (10) comprises a lower beam member (57) for extending between and resting on the two frame members (33) and an upper beam member (53) for engaging a section of the conveyor belt (11) to be lifted. A jack means (59) is operable between the two beam members (53, 57) for selectively moving the two members towards and away from each other between extended and contracted conditions. The jack means (59) comprises two telescopic rams (61) disposed to extend outwardly of the two beam members (53, 57) when in the contracted condition. This allows the two beam members (53, 57) to assume a compact arrangement when in the contracted condition.