112 which is supported by a load handling device 13 fig2 and 4 the load handling device includes a pair of supports 15 examples of load handling devices with which the pallet handling device 112 is compatible include without limitation automatic storage and retrieval systems asrs automatic guided vehicles agvs forklift trucks and the like in the illustrative embodiment the load handling device is an asrs having a pair of supports 15 which are multiple extendable members as is well known in the art pallet handling device 112 includes a pallet support plate 14 which is carried by supports 15 of load handling device 13 pallet support plate 14 includes a support surface 16 which carries the pallet 50 during transport of the pallet pallet handling device 112 includes an actuator assembly 20 and one or more grasping arms 18 actuator assembly 20 includes a plunger 22 and a clamp plate 24 which are interconnected by shafts 26 shafts 26 ride in linear bearings 28 such that shafts 26 are capable of vertical reciprocation a compression spring 30 on each shaft 26 provides an energy bypass mechanism to absorb any impact applied to grasping arms 18 grasping arms 18 are pivotally supported by a shaft.