The invention relates to the linear drive for the drive rollers (1, 1′) of an under-floor wheelset lathe. The two drive rollers (1, 1′), which each form a roller pair, are connected to each other in a form-fit manner. The form-fit connection comprises two gear racks (17, 17′) that engage with a common pinion (23), wherein the gear racks (17, 17′) are each connected to one power cylinder (25, 25′) and one intermediate lever (16, 16′) in an articulated manner and are supported on the side opposite the engagement with the pinion (23) by a roller guide (26, 26′).