Importance

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Abstract

A load handling apparatus particularly suited for incorporation into a vehicle for lifting and transporting heavy loads such as steel billets, comprising a main frame to straddle a load, pivotally mounted lift frame assembly providing the lifting capability to raise a steel billet and suspend it during transport, suspended load engaging and clamping members, hydraulic cylinders to actuate the clamping and lifting members and an hydraulically actuated drag link for stabilizing the load while transporting over uneven terrain. The drag link is pivotally connected at its one end to the main frame and at its other end to the suspended load engaging and clamping assembly so that these pivot points, in conjunction with the pivot points of the lift frame assembly, substantially define a parallelogram relationship. By varying the length of the drag link, the clamping assembly is maintained in proper orientation relative to the ground. A hydraulic control system is provided for the cylinders associated with the lifting, clamping and load stabilizing members, each hydraulic circuit having independent control and overload protection mechanisms. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral clearance between the frame members and the clamping and lifting members is controlled to limit the deflection of the latter.

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First Claim