A linear drive apparatus (10) for moving a carton (175) in a packaging machine from a first position to a second position is set forth. A first drive belt (115) is connected to a drive roller (75) and disposed about the drive roller (75) in a clockwise direction at a first end thereof while a second end of the first drive belt (115) is connected to a first position of an engagement assembly (15). A second drive belt (95) is connected to the drive roller (75) and disposed about the drive roller (75) in a counter-clockwise direction at a first end thereof while a second end of the second drive belt (59) is connected to a second portion of the engagement assembly (15) opposite the first portion of the engagement assembly (15). The rotation of a drive shaft (80) in a clockwise direction causes linear movement of the engagement assembly (15) in a first direction along the guide rods (50) and the rotation of the drive shaft (80) in a counter-clockwise direction causes linear movement of the engagement assembly (15) in a second direction opposite the first direction.