Abstract: A reciprocable drive mechanism has a fluid pressure operable ram controlled by a spool valve, a two-position valve and a braking valve. During a powered stroke of the ram, the spool valve closes an exhaust path of the two-position valve so that the latter remains in a first position in which pressure fluid is obliged to flow through the braking valve, in a fully opened condition, to the cylinder of the ram. At the end of the powered stroke the spool valve is shifted to a second position in which it permits exhausting of fluid through the two-position valve, and as a result of change of differential pressure in the latter, the pressure fluid previously obliged to flow through the braking valve is permitted to flow to exhaust. The braking valve is then less open, so the ram carries out its return stroke at a slower rate.