The invention relates to a method and a device for the exchange of an old working belt (1) on a machine for production of a web, for example a paper web, for a new working belt (13). According to the invention, the exchange is simplified, whereby the track start of the new belt is connected to the old belt, the old belt is made to circulate and thus draws the new belt around such that the new belt adopts the position of the old belt. A joint is then made between two facing ends of the new belt. Said drawing device is embodied such as to permit the old belt for exchange to be pushed from one side of the machine. The device comprises a frame (12) with two transverse elements (12.2, 12.3), which enclose the old belt between them in the assembled state. One transverse element (12.2) supports a roll (13.1) of the new belt and the other transverse element (12.3) supports a winding device (18) for winding on the old belt.