An improved power strapping machine (20) comprising a strapping device (24) and a soft touch package compression device (20). The strapping device (24) includes plurality of coils (40,42) for supplying strap (38) to a guide apparatus (32). A chute apparatus (36) for routing strap (38) around an article or package (22) to be strapped is connected to the guide apparatus (32). The machine includes sensors and a control circuit adapted to operate the machine continuously without the need to stop production, since when one coil is out of strap or a misfeed occurs, the machine will automatically load another coil of strap and continue strapping packages. The soft touch package compression device (26) uses pneumatic-drive chain drive systems (150,152) for moving soft belts (154) up and down. The soft belts compress the package so that the strapping device can place a tight strap around the package.