Abstract: A conveyor and transfer apparatus for transferring containers seriatim from a substantially vertical stack of containers includes an endless belt conveyor pivotally mounted on a frame for movement between elevated and declined positions by opposed hydraulic actuators. The conveyor includes a frame for supporting a carriage thereon for movement along guide tracks forming part of the carriage support frame between a position wherein opposed container gripping arms may be actuated to grip a container and a position for depositing the container on a conveyor belt. A hydraulic linear actuator moves the carriage between its working positions and opposed gripper arms are actuated by respective cylinder and piston type actuators to move between container gripping and release positions.