A load platform is hingedly connected at its forward edge to the lower ends of a laterally spaced pair of vertically elongate runner assemblies that are vertically movably mounted on a supporting framework. Upper ends of the runner assemblies are fitted with pivotally mounted retainer brackets foldable between horizontally rearwardly extending load restraining position and vertically folded position. Selectively actuable means are provided for effecting pivotal movement of the load platform between horizontally rearwardly extending load bearing position and vertically extending folded position to concurrently effect folding and unfolding movement of the pair of bracket retainers by direct or indirect contact with the rear edge of the platform.

A hand pallet truck of the type comprising a head frame and a pair of forks projecting forwardly therefrom is modified by providing a hinge portion of the forks which can fold upwardly from the operating position to a storage position latched to the frame. The folded truck can thus be readily be transported and stored so that it can be made available for use at different locations, for example by storage within the cab of a truck. The hinged forks include a stub fork portion at the frame projecting slightly outwardly from the frame for receiving a portion of the pallet. The link bar which operates the wheels of the fork is also hinged but can only pivot in the lowered position of the forks and frame. A locking arrangement locks the hinged forks in the operating position.

An extendable boom fork lift vehicle is disclosed wherein the bottom and its actuator are positioned over the rear axle of the vehicle such that the weight of the frame between the front and rear axles and behind the rear axle may be reduced. A modified boom and jib are also described wherein the jib may be selectively fixed relative one telescoping member of the boom. A light-duty carriage is provided to operably engage and articulate a secondary heavy-duty carriage.

A load push-pull assembly for a lift truck having a main frame and a tiltable load-supporting frame. The push-pull assembly comprises a push frame connected by a selectively extensible and retractable linkage to a rear mounting frame which does not tilt in unison with the tiltable load-supporting frame but rather maintains a constant angular attitude with respect to the truck-supporting surface regardless of the tilting attitude of the load-supporting frame. The linkage maintains the push frame in a constant angular attitude with respect to the rear mounting frame such that the push frame is maintained perpendicular with respect to the truck-supporting surface during the tilting of the load-supporting frame. The push frame is freely movable vertically with respect to the rear mounting frame, and is supported vertically by the tiltable load-supporting frame, such that it moves vertically with a rectilinear motion in response to the tilting movement of the load-supporting frame without changing its angular attitude with respect to the truck-supporting surface. A slip sheet clamp is mounted on the bottom of the push frame such that both jaws of the clamp move vertically in unison with the vertical movement of the push frame.

A lift truck attachment for use with squeeze-type lift trucks permitting handling of loads having lateral dimensions substantially greater than the spacing of the squeeze members and arranged to permit handling of relatively deformable loads normally not suitable for handling by squeeze-type truck apparatus. The attachment includes a frame structure adapted to be squeezed by the squeeze members and provided with a selectively forwardly projecting fork for lifting loads through the intermediary of the squeeze members. The frame further includes a hook shaped blade for carrying loads adapted to be lifted by blade structures permitting the attachment to be selectively utilized in alternative manners in handling different types of loads.