Lifting apparatus and method of lifting

A method of lifting an object using a mobile base adapted to be supported by and moveable relative to a floor surface, a lifting mechanism mounted to the mobile base, and suspension members for operatively engaging the object to be lifted, the suspension members extending from the lifting mechanism, the method comprising:

• positioning the mobile base proximate to the object to be lifted;
• actuating the lifting mechanism and the suspension members to be above the object;
• operatively engaging the object with the suspension members;
• lifting the object to apply a load to the suspension members;
• and
• as the load is applied, measuring the load and automatically adjusting a counterweight system that is moveable relative to the base to offset the load.

A lifting apparatus, comprising:

• a mobile base adapted to be supported by and moveable relative to a floor surface;
• a lifting mechanism mounted to the mobile base;
• suspension members for operatively engaging an object to be lifted, the suspension members extending from the lifting mechanism;
• and
• a counterweight system that is movable relative to the mobile base to offset a load of the object, the counterweight system being adjusted in response to measuring the load of the object as the object is being lifted.