MXPA06014959A - High lift truck - Google Patents

Abstract

A self-propelled, operator controlled, load lifting and transporting vehicle including a mobile frame (96) supported by front and rear wheel assemblies (24,26) at the front and rear of the frame and a drive motor (116) driving a hydrostatic drive system to drive a pair of transversely spaced front wheels (24). A pair of closely spaced rear wheels (26) are supported from the frame and includes a steering structure (106) oriented to enable operator control. A vertical mast (28) is supported at the front of the frame by a transverse, generally horizontal pivotal structure including a hydraulically operated piston and cylinder assembly(90) to vary the forward and rearward tilt of the mast.

Description

CART MONTACARGAS ALTO BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention This invention is a high lift truck for mounting / walking behind and generally functions as a vehicle for lifting and transporting loads of various materials. Description of the Prior Art Various types of self-propelled, forklift-operated forklift trucks are well known and typically include an operator's seat supported on a frame, operator controls accessible to the operator, a front mast generally extending from vertically with a lifting fork assembly mounted movably therein. The operator controls raise and lower the loads supported by the movable lifting fork along the mast with the tilt angle of the mast also controlled by the operator of the forklift truck. Most forklift trucks are of the type in which the load on the mast is counterbalanced by the weight of the frame, engine and other forklift truck components. There is also known a fork-type forklift truck in which the front support wheels extend forward beyond the lower end of a vertically extending mast to provide stable mast support. Consequently, although they are Well-known forklift trucks, various improvements in the vehicle for lifting and transporting loads are desirable as hereinafter set forth by the present invention. Brief Description of the Invention The self-propelled, operator-controlled vehicle for lifting and transporting loads according to the present invention includes a mobile frame supported by rear and front wheel assemblies in the front and rear of the frame and a driving motor in the frame that drives a hydrostatic drive system to drive a pair of transversely spaced front wheels. A pair of closely spaced rear wheels are supported from the frame and include a steering structure oriented to allow operator control. A vertical mast is supported on the front of the bater by means of a transverse, generally horizontal, pivoting structure that includes a piston and cylinder-operated sambeck operated to vary the forward and backward inclination of the mast. A lifting frame is movably supported vertically by the mast and is raised and lowered by a lifting chain and a piston and hydraulic cylinder assembly. The lift frame includes a reversible lift fork adjustment to vary the lift to which the lift fork can lift a load. The rear section of the frame is provided with a platform for m onte the Operator in the rear part and a service brake for stepping and a pedal to move the lifting frame vertically in relation to the mast. The operator controls are conveniently located for access by an operator occupying the platform including a manual lever to control the movement of the lifting frame on the mast, thereby providing control with foot and hand of the lifting frame. A manual lever for tilt control of the mast is positioned adjacent to the manual lift control lever. The steering structure for the steering rear wheels includes a handle bar arrangement oriented for ease of gripping by an operator with each end of the handle bar including a throttle control lever. A throttle control lever controls the direction and speed of the vehicle forward and the other throttle control lever controls the direction and reverse speed of the vehicle. A piston and cylinder assembly interconnects the mast and support frame and is controlled by a manual tilt control lever adjacent to the manual tilt control lever to control the operation of the tilt cylinder and piston that interconnects the lift mast and the frame. Masts of various lengths can be easily exchanged and the inversion of the arrangement of the lifting fork mounted on the lifting frame allows the loads to be raised to a higher elevation than the upper end of the mast to raise loads up to an upper floor or to support several structures in elevated position while they are installed in a building structure or similar. The load lifting and transporting vehicle of this invention also includes receptacles in the frame to receive lifting forks from a conventional forklift truck and a lifting eye in the frame to facilitate transport of the vehicle and allow the vehicle to be lifted. and placed on upper floors of a building or a desired site. The drive motor and controls are protected by a removable hood to provide protection to the vehicle components, promote airflow, better line of sight for the operator and easy to clean, removable for full access to operating components and aesthetically nice appearance. Also, a removable fuel tank is provided to allow faster refueling of the vehicle. A quick-change axle extension for the external dual front wheels allows the wheels to be easily removed so that the vehicle can advance through doorways; the outer wheels can be replaced later. A benefit of the vehicle for lifting and transporting loads of this invention is the transportation and lifting of blocks from a storage area to a mason who places such blocks and can be used both inside and outside of building structures with the weight of the vehicle. that satisfies with the load ratings for floors so that such load limits are not exceeded. The vehicle for lifting and transporting loads of this invention provides a vehicle safely operated which can be efficiently controlled by an operator and includes unique controls and other structural aspects to enable efficient lifting of loads of various materials and transportation of such materials. materials to a desired location and then downloading the materials in the desired location. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a self-propelled, operator controlled, lifting and transporting vehicle for various materials, including a mobile frame with transversely spaced front wheels driven by a hydrostatic drive system and a rear wheel assembly that is addressable by means of a handle bar assembly oriented in an accessible position by an operator who rides or walks back. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle in accordance with the foregoing objective in which a vehicle frame is provided with a vertically elongated mast at the front end that supports a load-lifting frame vertically movable therein, with a hydraulically driven mechanism connected to the lifting frame and a hydraulically driven mechanism that also controls the forward and backward tilt of the mast with the lifting function and the tilt function that are controlled by an operator. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle in which the drive components include a drive motor that operates a hydraulic pump with several of the drive and control components that are protected by a removable hood to protect the components , and allow access to the components of the vehicle, A further object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle for lifting and transporting loads that includes an interchangeable vertical mastU at the front end thereof, which can be converted to different heights verticals to allow a movable load lifting frame on the mast to be raised at different elevations. fork lift by which the lifting forks in the lifting frame can be on the lower edge of the lifting frame or on the upper edge thereof by inverting the lifting forks to allow loads to be lifted to a higher elevation than allowed by the mast. A still further object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle in accordance with the foregoing objectives in which an operator standing on the platform is supported at the rear of the vehicle whereby an operator can stand on the platform with the controls in position. for easy and effective access and with the platform that also includes a brake pedal that It extends transversely which can be operated by any foot of the operator for the safe and fast operation of the vehicle. A further object of the present invention is to provide a self-propelled, operator-driven lifting and transporting vehicle, in accordance with the foregoing objectives, in which the steerable rear wheels are controlled by a handle bar arrangement with a manual left and right grip with each manual grip that includes a throttle lever with a throttle lever that controls the forward direction and speed of the vehicle and the other throttle lever that controls the direction and speed to the rear of the vehicle. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide dual lifting controls for the vehicle lifting frame with a lifting control that is operated by foot and the other lifting control that is operated by hand and a hand operated control for the position of inclination of a mast that extends vertically at the front end of the vehicle. Still another object of this invention that is specifically listed herein is to provide a vehicle for lifting and transporting loads in accordance with the foregoing objectives which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, which is simple and easy to use construction to provide a vehicle for lifting and transporting loads that It will be economically feasible, strong and long lasting and relatively free of maintenance and use problems. These, together with other objects and advantages, which will be apparent subsequently, reside in the details of construction and operation as described and claimed more fully hereinafter, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings which form part of the present, wherein Similar numbers refer to similar parts from start to finish. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings serve to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to be drawn to scale. Figure 1 is a front and side perspective view of a load lifting and transport vehicle according to the present invention, illustrating the relationship of the mast, the lifting frame and the lifting horns when they are in their lower position associated with the rest of the vehicle. Figure 2 is a rear and side perspective view of the vehicle of Figure 1 with the removable hood removed and illustrating the structural details of the vehicle including the mast, the lifting frame, the lifting eye and other components. Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the vehicle, similar to Figure 2, without the mast and the lifting frame, which illustrates in more detail the specific structure of the platform supporting the operator, the brake actuator and the structure of control of vehicle. Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the structure illustrated in Figure 2, illustrating additional structural details of the vehicle. Figure 5 is a front elevational view of the lifting frame supported on the mast in the vehicle of Figure 1, with the lifting fork oriented at the upper end of the lifting frame in elevated relation as compared to that illustrated in FIG. Figure 1 Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the mast components of the vehicle of Figure 1. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the lifting frame and the interchangeable lifting fork assemblies of the vehicle of Figure 1. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the separation of the hood from the frame and the related support structure for control of the mast and other details of the frame. Description of the Preferred Modality Although a preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is understood that other modalities are possible. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited in scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other modalities and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, when describing the modalities preferred, specific terminology will be used for the benefit of clarity. It is understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. With specific reference to the drawings, the vehicle for lifting and transporting loads of the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 20 and includes a frame generally designated by the reference numeral 22, front support and drive wheels generally designated by the reference number 24 and a steering wheel rear assembly generally designated by the reference number 26. The front end of the vehicle 20 includes a vertically extending mast generally designated by the reference number 28 having a load-lifting frame generally designated by the reference number 30 movable vertically therein. The load-lifting frame generally designated by the reference number 30 includes lifting fork generally designated by the reference number 32 thereon for coupling several loads in order to lift the load to a vertical height within the limitations of the Mast height 28. The rear end of the vehicle is provided with a step platform generally designated by the reference number 34 to allow an operator to ride on the vehicle or the operator may walk behind the vehicle. Oriented above platform 34 and forward of it there is a steering control structure of the handle bar type generally designated by the reference number 36 which controls the pivoting movement of the steering-26 wheels about a generally vertical axis. The frame 22, the front wheels 24, the addressable rear wheels 26, the step platform 34 or stirrup and other components of the basic structure of the vehicle are described in co-pending application serial number 10/231, 458 filed on 30 August 2002 and which has the same transferee as this request. The description of the co-pending application is incorporated into this specification by reference as if it were fully set forth herein. The mortar cart described in the co-pending application has been modified by removing the pivoting bin or hopper at the forward end thereof and replacing it with the vertically extending mast 28. The lower end of the mast 28 is pivotally connected to the front end of the frame 22 by the pivot structure 40 which includes a transverse tubular member connected to the frame 22 and a pivot member which interconnects the tubular member and the mast. The mast 28 includes an external vertical column generally designated by the reference numeral 42 and an internal vertical column generally designated by the reference numeral 44, as illustrated in Figure 6, with the external vertical column 42 including a pair of members 46 in the form of a channel facing inward, parallel, interconnected by the transverse member 48 to maintain members 46 in vertical parallel relationship. The lower end of the safety channel members 46 are interconnected by a plate 50 for supporting a cylindrical mast 52. The upper end of the outer vertical column 42 is provided with inwardly extending guide rollers 54 and the lower end of the inner mast 44 is provided with guide rollers 56. The rollers 54 and 56 guided the movement of the safety channel members 46 during relative vertical movement with respect to the internal vertical column 44. The upper end of the mast 52 is provided with a pair of separate plates 58 connected to the piston 60 and the cylinder mast 52. The two plates 58 are connected and trunnion chain rollers 62 and a guide plate 64 is connected to the plates 58. The lifting chains 66 are guided by rollers 62 at the upper end with one end of the lifting chains 66 that it is connected to adjustable chain anchors 68 on one of the plates 58. The chain then extends on the rollers 62 with the other ends of the chains 66 extending downward and connected to the load lifting frame 30., as illustrated in the Figure. The load lifting frame 30 includes a rigid rectangular frame generally designated by reference numeral 70, which includes vertical side members 72 and a plurality of transverse frame members 74 which are jointly welded in a rigid unit. An upper support bar 76 and a lower support bar 78 are mounted in the frame 70. A plurality of lifting forks 32 for attachment to the support bars is provided. As illustrated in Figure 7, the lifting forks may have a cylindrical lifting component 80 or a rectangular-shaped component 82 extending outwardly from a vertical mounting member 84. A mounting member 84 is attached to each projection fork 80 or 82 and includes a cylindrical bracket 86 at its upper end that can be slidably mounted to one of the support bars 76 or 78 in the frame 70. The lifting forks they can be changed by sliding the arrow 76 or 78 out of one of the plurality of vertically spaced openings 88 in the side members 72 of the frame 70. During the normal operation of the lifting device, the lifting forks 32 are supported from the supporting arrow 78 lower with the forwardly projecting members 80 or 82 which are generally aligned with the lower edge of the frame 20. The lifting fork 32 can be inverted by removing the fork 32 lifting the lower arrow by sliding the lower arrow 78 outwards. The lifting fork 32 is then inverted so that the fork members 80 or 82 are mated with the upper transverse frame 74 of the frame 70. The fork is then attached to the upper support beam 76 by inserting the upper support bar 76 through the handles 87 in the vertical component 84 of the lifting fork 32 in a separate relationship with the handles 86. The lower support bar 78 it is then extended through the frame side members 72 and the handles 86 at the lower end of the vertical component 84 of the upright fork 32. Thus, instead of the horizontal components 80 and 82 of the lifting fork 32 being generally aligned with the lower frame transverse component 74 and supported on the upper arrow 76, the lifting fork 32 has the handles 86 supported on the rod 78 of lower support and handles 87 on upper support bar 76. In this position, the horizontal components 80 or 82 of the lifting fork 32 are generally in alignment with the upper transverse frame member 74 of the lifting frame 70. This allows a load to be lifted by the upstanding fork 32 to a higher elevation than when the lift fork has its horizontal components 80 or 82 aligned with the lower frame transverse member 74 of the lifting frame 70. As illustrated in Figure 2, the mast 28 is pivoted about a horizontal transverse axis by a piston and cylinder assembly 90 extending from a bracket structure 92 in the frame 22, as illustrated in Figure 8. The cylinder 90 can tilt the upper end of the mast 28 forward or backward to securely hold a load, such as a pallet, by inserting the fork through the pallet, tilting the mast back and raising the frame of the mast. lifting and loading a short distance. The frame 22 is also provided with weights 23 to counterbalance the weight of the load on the lifting fork 32. A lifting eye 94 is rigidly fixed to a central portion of the frame 22 to allow the vehicle 20 to be lifted by lifting equipment, such as a crane or the like, in order to elevate the load-carrying lifting vehicle. the present invention on a large truck, on an upper floor or a lower floor of a building or the like. Figure 8 also illustrates a hood 96, preferably constructed of plastic material or the like, which covers the area from which the bucket or hopper of the mortar cart was removed and encloses various components of the vehicle of the present invention. The hood includes a large elongated slit 98 at the forward inclined end thereof to receive the piston and cylinder assembly 90 to tilt the mast 28. Also, removable anchors 100 are provided to secure the hood to the frame 22 to allow for easy removal and assembly of the hood relative to the frame to provide immediate and complete access to the vehicle components underlying the hood. The frame 22 also includes parallel openings or structures 1 2 to receive the fork of a convention fork elevated truck r to allow the vehicle 20 of this invention to be picked up, lifted and transported to a desired location by a conventional fork lift truck. The platform 34 for mounting or step is supported by pivotally at the rear end of the vehicle and a brake actuator 104 is positioned at the front end and above the platform 34 to allow a person occupying the platform to use any foot to apply the brakes to the front wheels. The platform and braking structure 34 and 104 are the same as those described in the aforementioned co-pending application and operate in the same manner. The operator controls 36 include handle bars 106 attached to the upper end of a vertical steerable rod 108 in the frame 22 and extending through the opening 1 10 in the frame 22, as illustrated in Figure 8. The lower end of the rod 108 is connected to the steerable rear wheels 26 for pivoting the rear wheels about a vertical axis for steering control of the vehicle in a manner similar to the structure described in the aforementioned co-pending application. The handle bars 06 include a choke lever 1 12 at the left end, which controls the direction and speed of the accelerating movement of the vehicle and a choke lever 1 14 on the right side of the handlebars controls the speed and direction in a reverse direction. Each of the handle bar levers is connected to a cable that extends to a control valve in the hydrostatic drive system in which a pressure is maintained by a pump driven by a small internal combustion engine 16 the frame 22 above and just forward of the platform 34 and the brake actuator 104.

Adjacent to the right side of the platform 34, a foot control pedal 1 18 is provided to control the lifting operation of the mast and the lifting frame. A dual control for lifting is also provided in the form of a manually operated control lever 120 positioned adjacent to a fuel tank 1 23 and above a fuel tank 124 as part of the hydrostatic drive system. The control lever 120 is connected to the pedal 8 through a link 122 so that the lifting operation of the vehicle can be controlled either by using the foot engaged with the pedal 1 18 or by manipulating the handle lever 120. The piston and cylinder inclination control assembly 90 is controlled by a hand operated lever 126 adjacent to the fuel tank 123 and adjacent to the manual lever 120 so that all controls for operating the vehicle are easily accessible by an operator of the vehicle. vehicle that mounts on the platform or walks behind the vehicle. Suitable control mechanisms for starting the engine 16, operating the engine and stopping the engine and for controlling the operation of a hydraulic pump which supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to engines connected in a driving manner to the front wheels 24. The front wheels 24 are provided with automotive type brakes actuated by the brake actuator 1 04. When using the dual front wheels, it is sometimes necessary to remove the external dual wheel at the front end of the vehicle in order to advance through a doorway or other Narrow access through an opening in a building. When the dual front wheel assemblies are used, the outer wheel can be released quickly using a quick release structure, as shown in the aforementioned co-pending request, which includes a drive connection for the dual external wheel and a single clamping device to secure the dual external wheel in place to allow the dual external wheel to be easily removed and reinstalled without the time-consuming task of removing and replacing a plurality of wing nuts, as normally used to secure a drive wheel in place. The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. In addition, since many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described and, consequently, all modifications and equivalents may be resorted to by force. suitable that fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS 1. A vehicle (20) for lifting and transporting loads, self-propelled, controlled by operator, comprising a mobile frame (22) supported by wheels (24, 26) rotatably supported in said frame, a drive motor (16) supported from said frame and driving certain said wheels (24), controls (106, 1 12), operator to drive and steer the vehicle in a desired trajectory, a mast (28) generally vertical having a lower end supported from a front area of said frame by means of a structure (40) of transverse horizontal pivot to allow said mast to be inclined forward and backward relative to said frame, a power device (90) interconnecting said frame and mast to tilt said mast forwards and backwards around said horizontal pivoting structure, said mast including telescopic lifting columns (42, 44) vertically with a column (42) which is pivotally connected to said frame, a lifting frame (30) vertically movably mounted on the other column (44) of said mast, a power unit (52, 60) interconnecting said column ( 42) of lifting mast and frame (30) for moving said lifting frame on said other mast column (44), and lifting forks (32) mounted on said lifting frame for coupling with a load for lifting and transporting a load lifted to a desired location and lower the load at the desired location, said lifting frame (30) including a structure (78, 86) supporting said lifting forks (32) adjacent a lower edge or an upper edge of said lifting frame to allow the lifting forks to lift a load to a higher elevation when supported from the upper edge of said lifting frame than when supported from the lower edge of said lifting frame.
2. 2. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said drive motor (16) drives a hydrostatic drive system for said drive wheels (24), said operator controls including separate controls (12, 14). of throttling for direction and speed forwards and backwards. The vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said drive wheels (24) are mounted in a transversely spaced relationship at a front end of said frame, each of said drive wheels including a hydraulic motor in said system. hydrostatic drive. The vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said wheels (26) include a pair of adjacent wheels underlying said frame in a rear area thereof, said steerable wheels which are supported by a vertical rod (108) which extends upwards and rotatably through said frame, said operator controls which include handlebars (106) attached to an upper end of said steering rod, said handlebars including grip areas manual at each end thereof, said throttle controls each including a lever (1 12, 1 1 4) of throttle supported adjacent to a handhold to allow an operator to steer the vehicle and operate the steering controls and vehicle speed. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said forks (32) that are of L-shaped configuration with attachment means (86, 87) engaging the frame (30) at the ends top and bottom of the vertical component (84) of the L-shaped lifting forks, said joining means that engage with the lifting frame when the lifting forks are reversed with the horizontal components (80) thereof generally aligned with a upper edge of said lifting frame (30). 6. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mast includes nested vertical telescopic side frame members (44), said power unit including a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly (52) which extends and retracts said frame members (44) and which raises and lowers said lifting frame (30). 7. An assembly (20) for lifting and transporting loads converted from a mortar cart having a driven chassis and a stirred mortar hopper, comprising a mortar truck chassis, a removable mast (28) that is extends vertically adapted to be joined to a front end of said chassis from which the mortar hopper has been removed, said mast having a vertically movable lifting frame (30) mounted thereon, lifting forks (32) mounted on said lifting frame, said mast being connected in a manner pivoting with dich or chassis at a front end thereof, a power device (90) that interconnects the mast and the chassis to adjust the tilt angle of said mast and a power device (52) that vertically extends said mast and that elevates said lifting frame to raise a load on said forks. A load lifting and transport assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein said vertically extending removable mast includes vertically telescoping lifting column (42, 44) with a column (42) that is connected pivoting to said driven chassis, a lifting frame (30) movably mounted vertically in the other col umn (44) of said mast, a unit (52, 60) interconnecting said mast column (42) and said cam frame (30) for moving said lifting frame on said other mast column (44), and lifting forks (32) mounted on the lifting frame for attachment with a load for lifting and lifting. transport a lifted load to a desired location and lower the load to the desired location. 9. A lifting and transport assembly of trucks as claimed in claim 8, wherein said frame (30) Lifting includes a structure (78, 86) supporting said lifting forks (32) adjacent a lower edge or an upper edge of said lifting frame to allow the lifting forks to lift a load at a higher elevation when supported from the upper edge of said lifting frame that when supported from a lower edge of said lifting frame. 10. A mortar cart with a high lift truck conversion assembly comprising: a chassis (22) with wheels; an engine (1 16) and controls (106) for driving and driving said chassis; a hopper mounted pivotably on a front end of said chassis; a driven power cylinder (90) for raising and lowering a rear portion of said hopper between a transport position and a tumbling position; a high lift truck assembly (28, 30) for pivotal attachment to said chassis (22) and said power cylinder (90) when said hopper is replaced, said high lift truck including a generally vertical mast (28) having a lower end pivotally mounted to a front end of said chassis and pivotally connected to said power cylinder to control the forward and backward tilt angle of said mast, a lifting frame (30) mounted on said mast for vertical movement therein, an assembly of lifting forks projecting forward from said lifting frame, and a lifting power cylinder associated with said mast and lifting frame for lifting a load coupled by said lifting assembly. lifting forks. eleven . The mortar cart with a high forklift truck conversion assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein said controls for driving said frame (22) include a rear handle bar (106), said handle bar including a hand grip and lever (1 12, 1 14) of control at each end thereof, one of said control levers (1 12) which controls the movement and forward speed of the chassis, the other of said levers (1 14) control that controls the movement and speed backwards of the chassis. 12. The mortar cart with a high lift truck conversion assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein said lifting forks assembly is supported on the lifting frame for selective positioning adjacent a lower edge and an upper edge of said lifting frame for varying the elevation at which a load can be lifted by said forked assembly. lifting. The mortar cart with a high lift truck conversion assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein a counterbalance weight (23) is mounted on said chassis (22) rearwardly of the pivoting connection of said mast ( 28) with said chassis that allows heavier loads to be lifted and transported. The vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein said high lift truck assembly includes at least one chain (66) having ends connected to a lower end of a vertically stationary support member (50) and said frame. of lifting, an intermediate portion of said lifting chain that is coupled by said power unit for moving the lifting frame said limited distance and then raising a movable support member, said movement of said lifting frame and movable support member that is sequential and a vertical distance of twice the movement of the coupling point of the power unit with the intermediate portion of said lifting chain. 15. A vehicle for lifting and transporting loads comprising a frame (22) of a mortar carriage supported by wheels (24, 26) rotatably supported in said frame, a motor (1 16) for driving the mortar cart supported by said frame and which drives certain said wheels, controls (106, 1 12, 1 14) of the operator of the mortar cart to drive and steer the vehicle in a desired trajectory, a mast (28) generally vertical having a lower end supported from a front area of said mortar truck frame to allow said mast to tilt forward and backward relative to said frame, a power device (90) of the mortar carriage interconnecting said frame and mast for tilting said frame around said horizontal pivoting structure, a lifting frame (30) mounted vertically movably on said mast, said mast including a pair of vertically telescoping support members (42, 44), a power unit (52) interconnecting said support members and said lifting frame for initially moving said lifting frame on said mast for a limited distance and then extending said telescopic supporting members, lifting forks (32) mounted on said lifting frame for coupling with a load for lifting and transporting the lifted load to a desired location and lowering the load at the desired location. 16. The vehicle for lifting and transporting loads as claimed in claim 15, wherein said controls (106, 1, 12, 14) of the mortar truck operator include a handle bar (106) arranged rearwardly, hand grip and lever (1, 12, 14) of control at each end of said handlebar, one of said control levers (1 12) controlling the movement and the forward speed of the frame (22) of the mortar truck and the other of said control levers (1 14) that controls the movement and the speed of the rear frame. The vehicle for lifting and transporting loads as claimed in claim 15, wherein said assembly of lifting forks is supported from the frame of lifting for selective positioning adjacent to a lower edge and an upper edge of said lifting frame to vary the elevation at which a load can be lifted by said lifting forks assembly. 18. The vehicle for lifting and transporting loads as claimed in claim 15, wherein the counterbalancing weight (23) is mounted on said frame (22) rearwardly of the pivoting connection of said mast (28) with said frame that allows heavier loads to be lifted and transported. The vehicle for lifting and transporting loads as claimed in claim 15, wherein said generally vertical mast (28) includes at least one lifting chain (66) having ends connected to a lower end of a member ( 50) vertically stationary support and said lifting frame, an intermediate portion of said lifting chain that is coupled by said power unit to move the lifting frame said limited distance and then raise a movable support member, said movement said lifting frame and movable support member which is sequential and a vertical distance of twice the movement of the coupling point of the power unit with the intermediate portion of said lifting chain.