Abstract: A unit for the automatic loading of sheet units onto functional machines equipped with a conveyor which comprises a base frame which can be moved on corresponding rails along a track parallel to the direction of advance of the conveyor member of the machine to which the unit is connected, and a frame bearing one or more members for picking up sheet units, transported by the base frame, equipped with elements for movement comprising elements effecting horizontal lateral movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the base frame and element effecting vertical displacement together achieving a displacement between a pick-up position over an area in which sheet units are accumulated and a setting-down position overlying the conveyor in which extreme positions the picked up sheet unit lies substantially horizontal with an intermediate position in which the sheet unit picked up lies in an inclined position, together with controllable elements for translational coupling between the conveyor