Abstract: In an automated machine tool assembly where a plurality of work stations are interconnected by slide rails on which pallets can slide, the pallets having workpieces affixed to them, with at least one transfer bar for engaging a pallet and sliding the pallet longitudinally along the slide rails, a hydraulic lift and monitoring system includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders in the transfer bar, a plunger in each cylinder, and a first source of pressurized fluid which urges each plunger upwardly against a pallet. The first source of pressurized fluid is adjustable so as to pre-set the pressure with which the plungers are urged upwardly. A second source of fluid under pressure is linked through the cylindrical chambers in series to a pressure-sensitive switch such that, if a plunger fails to rise to its uppermost position when not loaded with a pallet, the operator is given a signal from the switch that a malfunction exists.