Abstract: There is described a load handling device for a vehicle which enables the vehicle to pick up and set down standard ISO containers. The device has a mast pivotally mounted at one end adjacent the rear of the vehicle for movement about a horizontal axis, and a cross-member mounted for movement along the length of the mast, the cross-member including elongate flexible tension elements extending from its ends and provided with load-engaging fixtures at their respective free ends, the device further including apparatus to vary the effective lengths of the flexible tension elements independently or in unison. This apparatus for varying the effective length of the flexible tension elements is advantageously mounted within the cross-member. In use, the load-engaging fixtures are attached to the corner fittings of a container while the mast is vertical and the cross-member is at the lower end of the mast.