Abstract: A multiple stage hydraulic telescopic cylinder device includes two hollow pistons one movable within the other with a cylinder in which the outer piston moves. In the bottom part of the outer piston are two passages leading to the interior of the inner piston, one below and ther other above the piston area of the inner piston. Fluid under pressure is supplied to the interior of the cylinder below the outer piston, to lift it. This fluid is confined to the interior of the cylinder below the outer piston until the outer piston reaches its outmost position, whereupon a by-pass passage in the wall of the cylinder connects the interior of the cylinder to the passage in the bottom part of the outer cylinder which leads into the space of the inner cylinder below the piston portion thereof. The inner piston is then pushed out to its outer-most position.