A fluid powered press comprising a first platen and a second platen with at least one of the platens being reciprocably movable along a predetermined axis relative to the other platen and having motor means for so moving the movable platen, and a leveling system therefor. The leveling system comprises a plurality of hydraulic leveling piston and cylinder units mounted on one of the platens with each of the leveling units including a projecting rod member connected to the piston of the respective leveling unit and movable with the piston axially relative to the cylinder of the respective leveling unit. Reciprocal fluid powered motor units mounted on the other platen coact with wedge locks for selectively coupling the rod members to the other platen. Means are provided for maintaining the leveling unit cylinders filled with hydraulic fluid; and conduit means communicate pairs of the leveling units together in a closed loop system, with such leveling units when coupled to the other platen resisting tilting movement of the platens relative to one another during operation of the press.