Abstract: A machine for filling containers with a viscous product to a preselected fill level below the top of the container. The filling machine has a downwardly opening nozzle and a valve for controlling the flow of product through the nozzle. An elevator mechanism is arranged to elevate an empty container into telescoping relation with the nozzle and then allow the container to move downwardly as it is filled. A mechanism senses when the container support platform moves downwardly to a position in which the discharge end of the nozzle is adjacent the desired fill level on the container, and an elevator drive mechanism is operated to positively move the container downwardly off the nozzle to a position substantially below the lower end of the nozzle to draw product in the container from the product in the nozzle.