We have examined levitation forces of field cooled (2.3 T) and zero field cooledYBa2Cu3O7−&dgr;superconductors opposed by a SmCo magnet. We have achieved unusually large levitation forces (140 N) and pressures(44.6 N/cm2)in field cooled measurements. 5–10 subsequent cycles, of approach and retreat of the magnet, result in a 10–20&percent; decrease in force, which then stabilizes. ©1998 American Institute of Physics.