A device for tensioning a tension mechanism of a conveying device includes a number of feeder aids extending between a drive wheel and at least one guide wheel. At least one hydraulic cylinder (including a hydraulic piston) adjusts a wheel center distance between the at least one guide wheel and the drive wheel in order to change the tension of the tension mechanism. The at least one hydraulic cylinder acts directly on the guide wheel. In order to tension the tension mechanism, the hydraulic piston is displaceably disposed in a pressure chamber and acted upon by pressure medium from a pressure source via a check valve that opens toward the pressure chamber. Once a blocked state of the check valve is reached, the pressure chamber is connected to a device for receiving a defined volume of pressure medium.