Patent ID: 7674084

Claim:
A system for use with a boom, the boom pivoted on a frame about a horizontal pivot axis between raised and lowered positions by a first fluid ram joining the frame and the boom; a releasable locking mechanism for locking the boom relative to the frame to prevent pivotal movement of the boom about its horizontal pivot axis, the system comprising: a second fluid ram disposable between the frame and the boom, the second fluid ram compressible between the frame and the boom when the boom is adjacent the raised position, but prior to the boom achieving a latched position substantially coinciding with the raised position; wherein a fluid circuit of the second fluid ram having two selectable pressure levels, the first pressure level substantially preventing the boom from achieving the latched position, the second pressure level permitting the boom to achieve the latched position while providing fluid cushioning to dissipate impact forces between the boom and the frame.