Abstract: A lifting jack (10) includes a jacking portion (11) carried on a mobile frame (13). The jacking portion (11) includes a jacking ram (15) and has a jacking axis (61) corresponding to the direction along which the jacking ram (15) can extend. The jacking portion (11) also has a base (19) adapted for engagement with the ground (23) with the jacking axis (61) extending substantially vertically. The mobile frame (13) supports the jacking portion (11) for movement across the ground (23) and includes two ground wheels (33) rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis The jacking portion (11) has a first mode of operation in which the base (19) is in engagement with the ground (23) and the jacking axis (61) extends substantially vertically. The jacking portion (11) also has a second mode of operation in which the base (19) is elevated above the ground (23) and the jacking axis (61) extends substantially vertically.

Abstract: A lock (50) particularly suitable for selectively locking a handle (30) in any one or more of the available positions. The lock (50) comprises a locking pin (51) moveable axially along a first axis (52) between engaging and release conditions. The locking pin (51) is operably connected to a slider (71) adapted to undergo reciprocatory movement along a second axis (72) substantially normal to the first axis (52), whereby movement of the slider (71) along the second axis (72) causes movement of the locking pin (51) along the first axis (52). A handle mechanism (10) incorporating the lock (50), and apparatus (11) fitted with the handle mechanism (10), are also disclosed.