Abstract: A method of discharging articles from a container into a defined vertical aperture in a wall or processing machine by rapidly tilting a lifting platform during a first lifting segment. This rapid tilting positions a discharge chute interior of the vertical aperture and then maintains the insertion of the discharge chute, during at least one subsequent lifting segment, as and when the lifting platform is brought to a fully lifted and tilted condition. A similar method using the first segment provides for the subsequent charging of a suitable container with articles emerging from a vertical aperture.