Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic tripod wherein at least one leg section of at least one leg of the tripod is deployed by hydraulic means in a predetermined sequence. The present invention may also relate to a stabilization platform having at least one hydraulic leg. The hydraulic tripod provides a semi-automated solution for the deployment of at least one leg of a tripod. The semi-automated deployment allows the user a hands-free experience and allows for correct positioning of the head member from the start of assembly with no further iterative adjustment. During use the user manually engages a handle and an input device adjoined to a head member of the hydraulic tripod. As a result of the manual engagement of the input device, a characteristic of a hydraulic cylinder is altered resulting in the initiation, stopping or manipulation of the deployment of the at least one leg section.