Abstract: Stack handling apparatus includes an input delivery section having two spaced apart conveyor segments operatively arranged to move equidistantly with respect to a centerline between the two conveyor segments. A stack formation section receives articles conveyed in a serial stream from the input delivery section and includes a carriage having a blade apparatus which is maintained at a generally constant predetermined angle as the carriage is transported in a closed loop transport movement path. Articles are assembled into batches on the blade apparatus, and each batch is transferred to door gate apparatus by relative linear movement. The door gate apparatus releases the batch for linear free fall movement to a turntable mechanism of a stack delivery section. The turntable mechanism alternately rotates 180.degree. after the receipt of each batch. Longitudinally extendable hydraulic assemblies are eccentrically connected to rotate the turntable mechanism.