Abstract: A band brake apparatus functions to brake a rotary drum, wherein the magnitude of the braking force is independent of the direction in which the drum rotates. The band brake apparatus comprises first and second brake bands situated next to one another and encircling a reversible rotary drum. Each band has an anchored end anchored to a casing, and a displaceable end. The displaceable ends of both bands are connected to a common actuating lever. One band encircles the drum clockwise from its displaceable end, whereas the other end encircles the drum counterclockwise from its displaceable end. Each band includes a hole through which an end of the band extends, in order to form a loop encircling the drum.