Abstract: A hydraulically powered lazy tong apparatus is provided for efficiently converting hydraulic power to rotational mechanical power. The apparatus may be employed independently or as part of another system that inherently requires the flow of hydraulic fluid. The apparatus comprises a pair of hydraulically powered piston and cylinder assemblies which are operatively connected to opposed ends of at least one lazy tong assembly. The lazy tong assembly preferably is connected by levers to a plurality of additional lazy tong assemblies. By this arrangement, the hydraulic power of the piston and cylinder assemblies is converted to linear mechanical movements, with the relative speed and power of that movement being determined in part by the dimensions of the lazy tong assemblies and the levers therebetween. The linear mechanical movement generated by the lazy tong assemblies is converted to rotational movement through a rack and pinion or chain apparatus.