Abstract: A block ramming machine is provided that includes: (a) a ramming chamber structure having a longitudinal axis, an input end, an output end, and a ramming chamber located between the input and output ends, (b) a headgate assembly located near the output end of the ramming chamber, wherein the assembly comprises a headgate that can have at least an open position and a closed position, (c) a fill chamber structure positioned along the longitudinal axis and having a first end, a second end, and a fill chamber located between the first and second ends, the input end and the second end being coupled so that the material can be transferred from the fill chamber to the ramming chamber, (d) a ramming plate for pushing the material from the fill chamber to the ramming chamber, and (e) an actuator for moving the ramming plate along the longitudinal axis from a position in the fill chamber to a position in the ramming chamber, thereby transferring the material from the fill chamber to the ramming chamber to form a block.