The invention relates to a liquid handling apparatus for transferring liquid into and out of containers that are arranged in a substantially horizontal plane that is spanned by an X axis and a Y axis standing perpendicular to the X axis in the direction of a substantially vertical Z axis standing perpendicular to this plane. The liquid handling apparatus comprises an X slide which is travelable in the direction of the X axis and at which an arm having a Y slide is provided that is travelable in the direction of the Y axis and that is optionally configured for attaching at least one Z slide travelable in the Z axis. An X drive motor serves for driving the X slide via an X force transmission means and a Y drive motor serves for driving the Y slide via a Y force transmission means. Both motors are in fixed positions.