Abstract: Apparatus for leading long lengths of woven or nonwoven textile material over a series of rolls in a sinous path in which the rolls are arranged in upper and lower tiers and some of the upper rolls are driven from electric motors. The lower tier of rolls is supported by parallel beams which are pivoted at one end. At their other ends the beams are connected by a chain and sprocket connection to a motor-speed-control device which automatically adjusts the speed of certain rolls to maintain constant tension on the material along its path through the apparatus, when the material causes the bottom rolls to move up or down.