Abstract: A press has a framework (1) which supports a pressure plate (3). The pressure plate is attached to a fluid operated ram assembly (4) by means of gimbals (20) so that the pressure plate (3) may adopt different angular attitudes relative to the load being compressed. In order to prevent the ram assembly (4) being subjected to stress the ram assembly (4) is mounted on the framework (1) by means of gimbals (18). The freedom of movement of the pressure plate (3) laterally is restrained by opposed pins (26) which engage loosely in slots (27) on the frame and stops (28) on the opposed pins. The press may be used to compress a palletized load, such as cardboard box blanks, prior to banding.