Abstract: Apparatus is provided for stretching and tensioning an endless web, such as a blanket or felt for papermaking machines. The apparatus includes a trackway having at least one movable stretch roll mounted thereon and movable relative to a work station for supporting and stretching the endless web or blanket. The movable roll is supported on a movable carriage arrangement at each end of the roll, with the carriage arrangement at one end including a first carriage section and a separable second carriage section. The first carriage section includes a device for lifting one end of the movable roll, and the second carriage section is connected to a saddle support which is pivoted into position to support the movable roll in the lifted position. The first carriage section is then disconnected from the second carriage section and is rolled away from its position under the movable roll. In this manner, the endless web can then be removed from the lifted end of the roll and replaced with another web.