APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PLACING A TARPAULIN ON A PAYLOAD OF A MOVEABLE VEHICLE

Apparatus for positioning a tarp on a payload carried on the bed of a vehicle includes a tarp lifting device having a carriage engagable with forks of a forklift truck and a support arm projecting from the carriage. Lifting hooks are provided on the support arm and engage anchor points of the tarp which is raised and drawn into position over the payload. Once placed, the support arm is lowered and the hooks drop free of the anchor points. The placement of the tarp occurs without an operator being on the bed or on top of the payload and the hooks disengage without assistance from the operator.