This invention relates to an improvement in punching machine tools comprising a frame in which is mounted a slide carrying at one of its ends a punching tool and connected at its other end to hydraulic control means, wherein a plurality of small diameter hydraulic cylinders are mounted on the frame of the machine which has a relatively small front width, in which cylinders pistons unitary with the slide are slidably mounted, said cylinders having their axes located in the same plane extending along the largest dimension of the frame.