A work vehicle includes a first loader arm portion pivotably connected at one end to a frame of the vehicle and configured to slidably receive a second loader arm portion along an opposed end of the first loader arm portion. A mechanical linkage interconnects the loader arm portions and the frame. A fluid cylinder operatively connected between each of the frame and the loader arm portions is configured to raise and lower the loader arm portions between a retracted (lowered) position and an extended (raised) position. As the fluid cylinder is actuated to urge the loader arm portions toward the extended (raised) position, the mechanical linkage results in slidable movement of the second loader arm portion with respect to the first loader arm portion so that a collective length of the loader arm portions in the extended (raised) position is increased.