Sliding locking actuator for automatic tilt mechanism

A tilt mechanism for an associated mast comprising:

• a mountable base member having a plurality of openings;
• a cradle for supporting the associated mast, the cradle pivotally mounted to the base member for movement between first and second positions for changing an orientation of the associated mast;
• and
• at least one locking actuator for locking the cradle in at least one of the first or second positions, the locking actuator including a housing having a first lock pin extending in a first direction and a movable member supported by the housing having a second lock pin extending in a second direction opposite the first direction, the locking actuator extendable and retractable, the locking actuator being slideably mounted to the cradle for sliding movement along an axis parallel to an axis of extension/retraction of the locking actuator;
• whereby when the locking actuator is extended the first and second lock pins are inserted into the openings in the base member thereby locking the cradle against pivoting movement relative to the base member, and whereby when the locking actuator is retracted the first and second lock pins are withdrawn from the openings in the base member thereby permitting pivoting movement of the cradle relative to the base member.