Abstract: This relates to a label applicator for applying labels to mold cavities of rotating mold units. The label applicator is fixed relative to moving mold units and includes an extensible fluid motor which carries a pick-up head or suction head for moving the suction head in a straight line direction and return. The extensible fluid motor is carried by a shaft for oscillation between a label pick-up position and a label deposit position. The extensible fluid motor is carried by a bracket which, in turn, is carried by a shaft of a rotary actuator which is constructed to oscillate between two fixed positions which are spaced apart a preselected angular distance. There is incorporated with the rotary actuator a decelerator for rapidly, yet smoothly, decelerating rotation of the bracket carrying the extensible fluid motor. Suitable sensor means are provided for timing the actuation of the label applicator in accordance with the position of a mold cavity into which a label is to be placed.