A reciprocating mold plate food patty-forming machine is provided that includes a mold plate that reciprocates between a cavity fill position and a patty discharge position. The mold plate is movable beneath a mold cover. A mold cover lifting apparatus is provided as part of the machine and comprises a primary threaded drive that is configured to support and elevate the mold cover and which elevates or lowers upon input of rotary power to raise or lower the mold cover. A motor is operatively connected to the primary threaded drive to input rotary power to the primary threaded drive. A secondary threaded element follows the primary threaded drive and is configured to support the mold cover if the primary threaded drive fails.