Abstract: A generally rectangular-shaped casket-placer and casket-lowering apparatus for supporting a casket over a grave opening during a graveside service and for lowering the casket into the grave opening, or into the base of a burial vault in the grave opening, for interment after the conclusion of the graveside service includes side rails and end rails. The front or upper end rail is operatively connected to one of the side rails and transmits rotary motion of the one side rail through a shaft and gear mechanism in a combination braking and power transmission head to the armature of a D.C. motor generator which is located at one of the four corners of the apparatus and controls the speed of lowering of the casket by the apparatus. The lowering speed of the casket is controlled by an electrical loading circuit which incorporates a D.C. motor generator having an armature which is operatively connected to rotate with the side rails and the front end rail.