Abstract: A stack loader (30), for picking up a stack (10) of thin metal sheets, moving the stack to a feed hopper (100) and lowering the stack into the feed hopper, is provided, the stack loader (30) having a fork support frame (31) and a stack retainer (32) telescopically received in the fork support frame, the stack retainer (32) being shaped to fit over the stack while leaving the back of the stack mostly exposed, the fork support frame (31) having lifting forks (41) mounted thereon which can fit under the stack (10) and lift it up into the stack retainer (32) so that sagging bottom sheets in the stack will not spill out of the stack loader (30) during movement of the stack (10) to the feed hopper (100). The forks (41) can be locked under the stack (10) and an automatic safety (92, 93) is provided to prevent unlocking of the forks during movement of the stack loader to the feed hopper.

Abstract: A strapping machine for palletized loads wherein probes are positioned and held against movement at the upper edges of the load. The strap which secures the load to the pallet is snubbed around the probes as the strap is tautened. After the strap has been tautened and clamped, the probes are removed so that the tautened strap engages the upper edges of the load.