A drive for a movable center wind takeup for web material has an upright support frame (A) which carries a motor driven power takeoff (B) which is drivingly engageable with the movable takeup. An articulated arm (C) is carried by the upright support and is extensible to achieve alignment between the power takeoff (B) for driving the takeup and a vertically adjustable device (D) including a lever arm for effecting vertical adjustment between the power takeoff (B) and the takeup.