In a balance device for a mechanical press, a press body or frame rotatably mounts a crankshaft. A slide is supported from the crankshaft by connecting rods so that it reciprocates transverse to the axial direction of the crankshaft as the shaft is rotated. To avoid the development of an oscillating effect in the press body during operation a first gear is positioned on the crankshaft. Balancing gears are supported on the press body in meshed engagement with the first gear. Each of the first gear and the balancing gears has a balance weight for counteracting the tendency of the slide to cause oscillation and vibrations in the press body.
