Abstract: A transfer system for moving work pieces held in workpiece grippers along a first, horizontal axis between a plurality of spaced apart workstations, the transfer system including a press having a ram moveable along a second, vertical axis and a bolster aligned with and positioned below the ram. The workpiece grippers are mechanically connected to a transfer rail which extends along the first, longitudinal axis, the transfer rail being supported for movement along the second, vertical axis between a raised and lowered position and along a third, horizontal axis, normal to the first, longitudinal axis, between a forward position and a retracted position. The improvement of the present invention comprises biasing means for urging the transfer rail toward its raised and forward position and movement means connected to the ram for exerting a force on the transfer rail to overcome the biasing means and urge the transfer rail toward its lowered and retracted position.