Abstract: A controlled deflection roll of the self-loading type has a shaft about which a tubular shell is disposed. The roll shell is rotatably mounted on bearings at each end which, in turn, are mounted about corresponding bearing rings. The bearing rings are spaced about the shaft and are pivotally linked with the shaft at each end with a pair of pivot arms. Each of the pivot arms at either end of the roll have one end pivoted to the corresponding bearing ring and the other end pivoted to the shaft with both the shaft pivots and bearing ring pivots being located diametrically opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This arrangement allows approximately straight line transverse movement of the roll shell relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft about the pivot connections.