Abstract: The drive apparatus is for rolling mills, especially for those which are subjecting the strip to a heat treating operation in wide-strip rolling-mill trains. The lower drive roll is mounted in the frame, and with reference to the upper drive roll which is connected to the swing arm, so as to be capable of performing adjusting and swinging movements. The respective housings of the lower drive roll are connected to hydraulically operated swing cylinders and position indicator devices. When the pressure control is operative the contact force at the rolls is a function of the prevailing hydraulic pressure. The apparatus also allows automatic zeroing of the drive roll gap.