Abstract: Conveyor belt drive apparatus in which an endless looped traction belt engages the main conveyor belt and is driven around the loop to impart driving forces to the main belt. The face of the traction belt which engages the main conveyor belt has a series of open facial pockets and holes extend through the traction belt between the pockets and the reverse or inner face of the belt. A stationary suction chamber structure confronts the inner face of the belt to form therewith a suction chamber such that suction is applied via the holes to the pockets of the traction belt in the region where the traction belt engages the main conveyor belt to provide suction clamping action between the belts.