Abstract: A system for controlling the vertical movement of a pipe through a stripping ram. The system includes a throttle for controlling vertical movement of the pipe, a ram controller in operative communication with the ram for controlling the open or closed position of the ram, and a selector in operative communication with the ram controller and the throttle. The selector is responsive to the open or closed position of the ram. The system further includes a switch in operative communication with the selector for selectively enabling or disabling the throttle. When enabled, the throttle controls vertical movement of the pipe and when disabled, the throttle is incapable of controlling the vertical movement of the pipe.