Abstract: Load handling apparatus and method for handling loads, like paper rolls or household appliances, wherein the load handling apparatus comprises a vehicle (1) with a hydraulic system (76) controlled by an electronic control system (77), a lifting means (1), a hydraulics user interface (78) for the operator and a gripper arranged in the vehicle's lifting means (11) and provided with arms (6, 7) capable of clamping and lifting a load by applying a compressive force to the load, wherein the gripper is provided with an electric or electronic control system (80), and wherein the gripper's control system is directly connected to the vehicle's hydraulics control system (77) or hydraulics user interface (79) through an electronic interface (73, 90) so that the gripper's control system is capable of controlling the vehicle's hydraulic functions in a similar way as the vehicle's operator using the vehicle's hydraulics user interface (78).

Abstract: A gripper and a method of handling of loads (2A), especially easily damageable goods, with a gripper provided with arms (6A, 7A) capable of clamping the load by applying a compressive force to the load wherein the compressive force applied to the load is adjusted on the basis of the slippage measured with one or several rotatable slip sensors between the load and contact pads (8A, 9A) arranged in the arms, wherein the method comprises following steps: providing drive signals to one or several drive units arranged to rotate the rotating parts, like rollers, of the sensors, monitoring the rotation of the rotating parts by means of the information received from the sensors, and determining the proper operation of the sensors and/or the contact between the contact pads and the load by means of the rotation information.