The aim of this work was to design a tandem crank rod pusher mechanism for cartoning machine of lightweight materials. The relationship among the different parameters of the pusher mechanism was analyzed and the size ranges of the parameters were determined. 3D mode and motion simulation were built based on SolidWorks, and the linear speed, acceleration and displacement curves of pusher slide were obtained by solving. The reasonability of the design was verified. Finally, modal analysis was conducted to get the natural frequency of the mechanism. Though simulation analysis, the pusher mechanism moved smoothly, with obvious quick-return characteristics and high efficiency. In conclusion, the mechanism had stable performance and met the design requirements as proved by putting into production.