Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting a manhole cover includes a first frame section with a first end assembly that supports a hook to engage a lifting block on a manhole cover, and a second frame section with a second end assembly that supports a hook to engage a lifting block on the manhole cover. At least one of the first and second end assemblies is movable, via an actuator, with respect to the other to change a distance between hooks. The hooks are movable in a way that the hooks engage with the lifting blocks on an adjacent manhole cover. The first frame section is coupled to the second frame section during a lifting operation, and the first and second frame sections are selectively detachable from one another when not in use.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting a rectangular manhole cover includes an elongated frame having first and second end assemblies each supporting a hook adapted to engage a corresponding lifting block on a rectangular manhole cover, at least one end assembly being movable with respects to the other end assembly to expand a distance between the hooks. An actuator moves movable end assembly to change the distance between the hooks and force the hooks into engagement with the lifting blocks on an adjacent rectangular manhole cover.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting a manhole cover includes a first frame section with a first end assembly that supports a hook to engage a lifting block on a manhole cover, and a second frame section with a second end assembly that supports a hook to engage a lifting block on the manhole cover. At least one of the first and second end assemblies is movable, via an actuator, with respect to the other to change a distance between hooks. The hooks are movable in a way that the hooks engage with the lifting blocks on an adjacent manhole cover. The first frame section is coupled to the second frame section during a lifting operation, and the first and second frame sections are selectively detachable from one another when not in use.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydraulic lifting apparatus that permits convenient and efficient removal and replacement of a rectangular manhole cover from an access conduit. The invention further allows personnel to perform such removal and replacement from a safe distance. In one embodiment, the hydraulic lifting apparatus comprises a lifting member coupled to a hydraulic actuation device that is movably connected to lifting hooks to permit interface with and release from the lifting blocks of the rectangular manhole cover.