Abstract: A holdback system is provided which allows additional rotation of a shaft following actuation of an associated holdback device. That additional rotation of a shaft permits other associated holdbacks to actuate. This additional rotation of a rotatable shaft, such as a shaft of a speed reducer, is accomplished by providing a helical gear of a speed reducer mechanism in gear mesh relation with a helical gear of a speed reducer and, in addition, allowing the driven helical gear of the holdback mechanism to move axially after the holdback mechanism is actuated. This axial movement permits the driving helical gear of the speed reducer to rotate by a preselected amount and allow the entire system to move a slight degree in the reverse direction. This reverse movement permits other later actuated holdbacks to actuate and share the overall load with the earliest actuating holdback.