Abstract: An apparatus (10) for loading plates (3) from a stack (2) and for depositing the plates (3) on a conveyor comprises two alternatingly effective grippers (30, 31). The grippers (30, 31) are moved alternatingly into a loading position seizing the first accumulator plate (3) of the stack (2) and into a delivery position associated with the conveyor. The grippers (30, 31) are supported on levers (13, 14) which latter are mounted to be swivelable on the apparatus. Each gripper (30, 31) is supported to be rotatable by 360.degree. on its lever (13, 14) about an axis of rotation (34) parallel to the swivel axis (12) of the lever, and is rotated in only one direction by a drive mechanism (42, 40). In order to improve the seizing of a plate (3), the grippers (30, 31) are at a standstill with respect to the levers (13, 14) carrying such grippers when they are in their swiveling position corresponding to the loading position.