A billet loader for extrusion presses includes a pair of billet grippers supported by two arms. While the first arm is fixed in relation to the supporting structure, the second arm is mobile in relation to the first arm allowing a translational motion along the axis of the billet. The arms are joined together by a chain, which is parallel to the billet-press axis, consisting of links that allow bending in one direction only to form a rigid and continuous supporting device for the billet along its entire length. The billet can consist of one or more workpieces. The chain can be wound in the opposite direction around a rod.