Abstract: A drive mechanism for a variable center distance component insertion machine having a pair of component insertion tooling assemblies mounted adjacent each other so as to be laterally adjustable inwardly and outwardly relative to each other. Each tooling assembly has a gear rack mounted at its top. The racks engage an elongated pinion gear mounted proximate the toolings so as to engage the pair of tooling assembly gear racks. A servo motor rotates the pinion and, thereby, reciprocates the tooling assemblies toward and away from a circuit board. The tooling assemblies are adjusted laterally by a second servo motor coupled to the tooling assemblies by a double screw lead. During the lateral adjustment of the tooling assemblies the pair of rack gears remain in constant mesh with the elongated pinion gear.