Abstract: Apparatus for deboning carcasses comprises an overhead rail (1) carrying carcass transport hooks (12) and a drop arm (30) which is pivotally mounted to a bracket (31). A support hook (35) is connected by a link chain (36) to the drop arm (30) and a pneumatic ram (33) pushes the arm (30) downwardly. A transport hook engaging finger (40) is operated by a double acting pneumatic ram (45) to move a transport hook (12). The support hook (35) is attached to part of the carcass suspended on the transport hook (12) and the drop arm (30) is forced down by the ram (33) to apply a separating force as a skeletal part is removed from the carcass.