Abstract: A transfer trolley, to lift loads but particularly adapted to pick up a patient from a bet using a plurality of horizontally extending tines. Each tine consists of a tube having one end fixed in a position and a free open end. A sleeve surrounds the tube and is withdrawn into the interior of the tubes. The tines are then located next to a patient and a fluid under pressure is inserted into the sleeve, causing the sleeve to emerge from the end of the tube and to insinuate itself under the patient lifting the patient in the process. As the patient is lifted the trolley is moved to place the tube under the patient and to provide support while the patient is moved. The trolley can be adapted to move patients from beds or chairs.