Abstract: A tape drive includes a receiver adapted to receive a cartridge having a cartridge leader, a buckler which selectively retains a drive leader of the tape drive, and a buckler motor coupled to the buckler. The buckler motor selectively moves the buckler relative to the receiver to selectively couple and de-couple the drive leader to the cartridge leader. Importantly, this reduces the force necessary to insert the cartridge into the receiver. Further, with the use of buckler motor, the leaders are unbuckled before the cartridge is ejected. This allows for better control over the eject speed and eject distance of the cartridge.