Abstract: An apparatus for applying a test load to an article (104) has upper and lower mounting members (10,12) between which the article is attached. The lower member (14) is connected via a girder (52) to a weight attachment plate (56) and beneath the plate is a plurality of weights (A to Z), each having a peg (62) which extends through a corresponding aperture in the plate.A solenoid-actuated collar (80) mounted on the plate (56) is associated with each peg (62), and by appropriate actuation of the solenoids, one or more of the weights (A to Z) may be releasably attached to the plate (56).The selected load may be applied to the article under test (104) by actuation of a fluid-operated ram (48) which displaces the upper mounting member (10) upwardly.