Abstract: A load limiting hydraulic control system for a hydraulic cylinder adapted to raise or tilt a load including a control valve having an inlet port and a movable valving member adapted to direct pressure flow to said cylinder. A fluid responsive valve is connected to a source of fluid supply and said inlet port. A control circuit is provided connected to the control valve and the fluid responsive valve, and the fluid responsive valve is responsive to the pressure in the control circuit to control the fluid supplied to said control valve. The system incorporates a unique limit valve mechanism connected to the cylinder and the control circuit and is responsive to a predetermined pressure at the cylinder to interrupt the control circuit to reduce the fluid supply and prevent further actuation of the cylinder.