Abstract: The chain drive comprises spaced parallel endless chains extending along a path, for transferring work-carrying pallets between work stations, with the transfer path including rectilinear sections connected by bends in the path. The chains are driven by a drive mechanism, located on a rectilinear portion of the transfer path, and including respective sprockets engaged with the chains and driving the chains at equal speeds, with the arc of contact of each chain with its associated sprocket being equal to that of the arc of contact of each other chain with its associated sprocket. At the drive unit, the chains engage spaced parallel rectilinear chain guides, and the pallets are guided along rectilinear guide rails. Each pallet is secured to a pair of spaced parallel endless chains.