Abstract: The present invention comprises a take-up apparatus for endless belts, chains, or the like surrounding spaced pulleys or sprockets. The take-up apparatus comprises a pivotable first extendable bearing member and a second sleeve member. The first extendable member rotatably carries the shaft of one of the pulleys and the second sleeve member includes a tension adjusting mechanism. The apparatus is pivoted about a boss located on the sleeve member. Accordingly, the pulley carried by the extendable member is directly pivoted in an arc having a radius defined between the pivot axis of the apparatus and the axis of rotation of the pulley shaft. At least a portion of the sleeve member is defined by telescoping portions so that the distance between the pivot axis of the arm and the pulley shaft axis is adjustable to vary the tension on the belt.