Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive for distributor rollers in an inking-unit of a rotary printing machine comprising a central gearwheel driven by a printing unit-cylinder, and distributor rollers the drive gears of which are in mesh with the central gearwheel, each of the distributor rollers performing a lateral stroke, and the central gearwheel being provided with an adjusting possibility of varying the timing point of starting the lateral stroke with respect to the front end of the printing plate, and thus influencing the inking of the printing plate according to the respective subject to be printed.