Abstract: This disclosure relates to a hydraulically operated mechanism which releases precast concrete products, such as precast septic tanks, burial vaults, steps, and like precast concrete products from the mold in which they are cast, the mold including a base, an inner mold core and an outer surrounding mold shell, and the release mechanism being carried by the base and including at least one movable portion which defines a part of the mold cavity, a rod secured to the mold cavity portion, cam means for imparting motion to the rod which in turn moves the mold cavity portion whereby a precast product is moved and thus released from the associated mold cavity, and means for rotating the cam means to impart the motion to the rod with the latter being preferably, though not necessarily, hydraulically actuated.