Abstract: A feed apparatus for feeding material to a metalworking machine comprises two alternately operating gripping units; the first unit comprising a reciprocating transport gripper element which moves the material forward by steps; the second unit comprises a stationary non-return gripper element which retains the material during the return stroke of the transport gripper element. At least one of the elements can be operated in opposition to spring force by means of a pressure medium which can be displaced by a displacing means acting as an operating mechanism. At least one of the gripper elements is connected to a displacing means by a closed container which stores the pressure medium, the container having extensible wall sections to which the gripper element and the displacing means is connected.