Base station antennas include a RET actuator, a plurality of phase shifters and a plurality of mechanical linkages, where each mechanical linkage is connected between the RET actuator and a respective one or more of the phase shifters. The RET actuator includes a rotary drive element movable in a first rotary direction and a second rotary direction. A first drive system is connected between the rotary drive element and the first mechanical linkage. The first drive system moves the first mechanical linkage in a first linear direction and a second linear direction when the rotary drive element is moved in the first rotary direction. A second drive system connected between the rotary drive element and the second mechanical linkage. The second drive system moves the second mechanical linkage in a third linear direction and a fourth linear direction when the rotary drive element is moved in the second rotary direction.