A vibratory seismic surface source includes a hydraulic vibrator the energy of which is coupled into the earth through a ground contacting base plate. The vibrator is supported above and independently of the base plate so that it may be pivoted about a first rotational axis within a truck-mounted gimbal-type frame which itself is tiltable about a second horizontal rotational axis perpendicular to the first. After the vibratory axis is oriented in the desired direction the vibrator is lowered so as to contact a suitably contoured upper surface of the base plate. Inclination of the vibrator is accomplished by "push-pull" operation of pairs of oppositely-directed hydraulic cylinders.