Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device, particularly for offset printing machines, in which a control lever is mounted on a pin fixed in the side wall of the printing machine and is connected by means of an adjustable bar to a swing fork, in which a variable speed gear box is mounted, joined by means of a drive belt to a common pulley, which is linked intermediate of a V-belt to a free part of an electromagnetic clutch which is electromagnetically connected with the stationary part of said clutch. The stationary part of the clutch is mounted on a worm gear which engages a worm joined with an electric motor for the tip - motion of the printing cylinders.The device provides the advantage, that the control of the variable speed gear box ratio is accomplished by a separate mechanism and the impulses for increasing or decreasing the number of revolutions of the printing machine is effected electrically.