Abstract: An apparatus for effecting separation of filter plates within a filter press, which apparatus includes first and second filter plate engaging pawls pivotally mounted on a carrier which is supported for generally linear back and forth movement longitudinally of the filter press. The pawls have adjacent free ends which define thereon generally opposed abutment surfaces adapted for engaging opposite sides of a filter plate. One pawl is spring urged into a raised position, and this one pawl has an upper camming surface adapted for contact with a bottom surface on the filter plate to urge the first pawl into a lowered position. The other pawl is pivotally mounted in a manner free of springs, and has an upwardly projecting cam lug which defines the respective abutment surface on one side, and a camming surface on the other side.