Abstract: A process for reliable detection of the top edge of the heading face of a pile of product(s) for animal feeding, from an extraction vehicle. It consists of positioning the vehicle in front of the heading face, then continuously controlling the upward motion of the extraction arm so as to vertically scan the plane of the heading face with the axes of measurement of at least two measurement sensors, then, as soon as at least any information is acquired indicating the absence of target, ordering the motion of the arm to stop, possibly ordering the detection of presence of an obstacle on the pile of product(s), then ordering the actuation of the extraction tool. Its object is also such a vehicle for implementing the process.