The picker includes an open frame carrier secured to a molding machine for linear movement along support rods in the direction of movement of one of the mold platens, i.e., a Y-axis direction, under control of a first fluid cylinder. The carrier, in turn, mounts a carriage for linear movement in a direction normal thereto, i.e., an X-axis direction, also under the control of a second fluid cylinder. Depending from the carriage is a picker arm under control of a third fluid cylinder for movement in the X-axis direction and which picker arm terminates at its inner end in a pair of jaws or fingers, the opening and closing of which are under control of a fourth cylinder. A limit switch is mounted on the mold machine for actuation when the movable mold platen obtains its open position. A pair of air switches are carried by the carrier. When the mold is fully open, the limit switch is closed by the movable platen to actuate the first air switch which, in turn, actuates the second and third cylinders for movement of the jaws along the X-axis and between the mold faces. Toward the end of the movement in the X-direction, the first cylinder is actuated to move the jaws in the Y-direction. At the end of the carriage movement, the carriage actuates an air switch which closes the jaws about the article. The carrier is then automatically retracted after a time delay in the X and Ydirections. The second air switch is then reset and opens the jaws whereby the article grasped is dropped onto a chute.