The invention relates to a method for transferring heavy loads, such as sheet-like objects, particularly anodes and cathodes, in electrolysis, the transfer apparatus comprising a lifting device (1) to which a stationary control housing (3) is attached; along the slide surfaces (6) of said control housing (3), there moves a control frame (5), and in said control frame there are arranged control shafts (7) along which a gripping element (8) is movable by the control surfaces (16) of said gripping element (8), so that the stationary control housing (3) is suspended from the lifting device (1) by means of at least three fastening elements (2) articulated at both ends. In addition, the invention relates to a transfer apparatus (4) for shifting heavy loads, particularly sheet-like objects, such as anodes and cathodes in electrolysis, said transfer apparatus comprising a control housing (3) attached to a lifting device (1), to which control housing there is attached to a control frame (5) movable along the slide surfaces (6) of the control housing (3), and in which control frame there are arranged control shafts (7) along which a gripping element (8) is movable by means of the control surfaces (16) of said gripping element, so that the control housing (3) is suspended from the lifting device (1) by at least three fastening elements (2) articulated at both ends.