Abstract: The specification discloses a low inertia clutch and brake system which includes a rotatable shaft and high speed and low speed clutch assemblies spaced apart along the shaft. A brake assembly is disposed between the high and low clutch assemblies and includes a stationary housing enclosing friction surfaces mounted about the shaft which are normally engaged with the housing to prevent rotation of the shaft. A pair of pistons are slidably mounted in the housing and are operable in response to fluid pressure to selectively disengage the brake assembly and to engage one of the clutch assemblies. Structure is provided to selectively apply fluid pressure to either of the pistons. The pistons include spring carrying rods which extend through the housing in order to normally bias the pistons toward the housing to normally engage the brake assembly.