A method for operating a mechanical press including an electric drive motor, a drive control for controlling the motor, a ram, a flywheel, a clutch and a member for translating rotational motion of the flywheel in a first rotation direction into a linear motion of the ram arranged to be lowered and raised along a linear path for operating the press to carry out a press production cycle. The press cycle includes a pressing part and one or more non-pressing parts. The press includes a second drive motor or actuator arranged connected to the ram and by providing a control output to the drive control means, the speed of the second drive motor is made variable during at least one part of the press production cycle. The press may be reversed between production cycles. A press and system including such a press.