Abstract: A balance bar device is disclosed for supporting a pair of mill rolls during a roll changing operation. A pair of vertically parallel roll end engaging members are mounted on one end of a beam for pivotal movement about corresponding horizontal axes extending transverse to the beam axis. The members are interconnected by a link so that the parallel relationship is maintained during pivotal movement thereof relative to the beam. The roll end engaging members are provided with bearing surfaces adapted to engage a roll end at diametrically opposed axially spaced apart locations so as to support the roll as a cantilever. By tilting the one end of the beam downwardly the roll end engaging members pivot relative thereto to freely receive the roll end therebetween. By then tilting one end of the balance bar upwardly the bearing surfaces are displaced toward one another to engage the roll neck.