Abstract: This apparatus relates to a workpiece transfer mechanism wherein a tiltable workpiece transfer arm has a free end. A workpiece gripping device is secured to the free end of the tiltable transfer arm by a piston cylinder arrangement. The piston rod supports the workpiece gripping device and the respective cylinder is secured to the free end of the transfer arm. The pressure in the cylinder is separately controlled on opposite sides of the piston in the cylinder to move the gripping device in response to the operation of workpiece handling stations between which the transfer mechanism is arranged. The piston is axially movable relative to the cylinder but rotation of the cylinder is transmitted to the piston to tilt the gripping device independently of any tilting of the transfer arm.