Abstract: De-fleshing apparatus comprises two fleshing machines arranged face-to-face, with a transfer conveyor between the machines. The conveyor is reversibly driven, and is arranged so that by movement in one direction a hide is transported from a first of the two machines to the second machine, half the hide having been de-fleshed in the first machine, and by movement in the opposite direction the hide is transported from the second machine as the other half of the hide is de-fleshed in the second movement. Each machine comprises a feed roller arranged to assist in drawing the hide through the machine while a cutter operates to de-flesh the hide, and the conveyor comprises an endless band which is mounted on the two feed rollers and driven thereby along its length in each direction.