Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and manipulating a heavy load by way of at least one pair of tongs and at least one hydraulic cylinder is disclosed. The load lifting apparatus may be configured such that it includes a first linkage, consisting of two pivotal linkage members, and a second linkage, having two pivotal linkage members. The load lifting apparatus may further have a set of tongs which includes two tong arms, and a hydraulic cylinder capable of actuating about one of the pivot points of the linkages. This configuration allows for the distance between the two tong arms to be adjusted according to the relative size of the load being engaged by the load lifting apparatus. A controller may actuate the hydraulic cylinder to adjust the distance between the tong arms.