Abstract: A filter press having a horizontal stack of filter plate assemblies, in which removal of filter cake is automated by means of a vibration/shifter carriage that can be moved in steps along a stack of filter plates after a press closing head has been retracted. At each step, the carriage opens up a group of filter plates. The plates are vibrated vertically by cams carried by the carriage. The vibrating action alternately tensions and relaxes the filter cloth for dislodging accumulated filter cake. An improved cylinder and ram arrangement for actuating the closing head is also disclosed and comprises oppositely acting cylinder and ram units carried by an intermediate travelling cylinder carriage. The arrangement achieves the advantages of a telescopic cylinder and ram unit, but at lower cost.