Abstract: An apparatus for field loading a plurality of containers onto a transport vehicle, comprises a platform disposed on a transport vehicle; a palletizer operably associated with the platform for progressively stacking a plurality of containers into a preselected stacked configuration from one end to the other end of the platform; and a conveyor for transporting each of the containers from the field onto the palletizer. The palletizer includes a false floor for forming thereon at least a row of the containers. The palletizer includes an elevator operably associated with the false floor for vertically transporting to the false floor each of the containers from the discharge end of the conveyor. The palletizer includes a transfer head for transferring each of the containers from the elevator to the false floor for forming at least a row of containers. The false floor is vertically and horizontally movable for positioning the false floor above at least a tier of previously stacked containers on the platform.

Abstract: A field crop harvesting, carton packaging and packed carton handling machine, which includes transport means having a front section, central section and a trailing section; the front and trailing sections include ground engaging means and each include a platform mounted on the ground engaging means; the front platform also includes area means for stacking and supplying non-erected cartons and for erecting the non-erected cartons; the central section includes conveyor support means including a central conveyor means and a left and right conveyor means; the left and right conveyor means each include erected carton receiving and supplying means; the left and right conveyor means also include a series of carton packing stations as well as a conveyor for moving the packed cartons to the central conveyor; the central conveyor includes a rearwardly moving conveyor for transporting the packed cartons rearwardly to the trailing platform; and the trailing platform includes area means for receiving, handling and sealing