A mechanism for a reclining chair is caused to be more appropriate for use by a person who is significantly taller and heavier than average, not only by being made larger and of thicker or stronger parts, but also by having supports extending obliquely forwardly and downwardly from pivotal connections to the operating handle torque tube, at the left and right sides, to pivotal connections at the left and right front corners of the fixed base. By preference, the mechanism has a rectangular support for the seat portion of the seat and arm frame unit, and links particularly subject to buckling are embossed with ribs for reinforcement.