Abstract: Apparatus for transferring internal combustion engine crankshafts from a conveyor system to crankshaft machining apparatus capable of automatic functioning. The apparatus includes an overhead track having a translatable carriage mounted thereon and a crankshaft holder depends below the carriage having a pivoted jaw for gripping a crankshaft. A power driven drive shaft mounted on the carriage raises and lowers the holder through an eccentric connection therewith, and the eccentric pin includes a radially movable slide to which a jaw actuator mounted in the holder is connected. The slide includes a cam follower engaging a grooved cam track wherein rotation of the drive shaft produces relative displacement between the jaw actuator and the crankshaft holder during vertical displacement of the holder moving the jaw between holding and release positions during rotation of the drive shaft.