Abstract: A component feeder for an automatic placement machine holds a number of tubes containing electronic components and feeds them sequentially to a pick point located at the end of a track. A tube in a loading position is pressed into contact with the end of a track. The remaining tubes in the magazine are held by an escapement mechanism. A pusher is driven along the bore of the tube in the loading position to drive component from the tube and along the track to the pick point. When the tube in the loading position is empty, front and rear supports are withdrawn and the tube drops from the bottom of the feeder. The escapement mechanism then lowers a next tube into the loading position.