Patent ID: 6860699

Claim:
A straddle loader for lifting a load, the straddle loader comprising: an upper frame having means for lifting the load and a compartment for an operator; at least two traveling frames for supporting the load on an underlying ground surface; a drive connected to at least one of the at least two traveling frames and operable for propulsion of the straddle loader along the underlying ground surface; a lifting system connected between the upper frame and the at least two traveling frames and operable for varying a distance between the upper frame and the at least two traveling frames by uniformly transferring the load to the at least two traveling frames so that the upper frame and the at least two traveling frames remain parallel and perpendicular, the lifting system comprising a plurality of telescoping beams, wherein at least two telescoping beams are associated with each of the at least two traveling frames, said lifting system including means for extending and retracting each said telescoping beam; stationary pivot shafts mounted on the upper frame and the at least two traveling frames for connecting each of the plural telescoping beams between the upper frame and a respective one of the at least two traveling frames; and a pressure cylinder associated with each of the plural telescoping beams, the pressure cylinder being operably mounted between one of the at least two traveling frames and a respective one of the plural telescoping beams associated with the one of the plural traveling frames, said pressure cylinder being operable for exerting a force on the respective one of the plural telescoping beams for evenly loading the at least two traveling frames and preventing twisting of the upper frame during extension and retraction of the respective telescopic beam, said force exerted by said pressure cylinder being simultaneous and separate from extension and retraction forces generated by the means for extending and retracting.