Material loading apparatus

A stone shaping machine comprising:

• a) a material loading apparatus including:
• a fixed frame;
• a movable support surface pivotally mounted to the frame, the support surface configured for supporting the material;
• a first link extending between the support surface and the frame, the first link pivotally connected to the support surface at a first end of the first link and pivotally connected to the frame at a second end of the first link;
• a second link extending between the support surface and the frame, the second link pivotally connected to the support surface at a first end of the second link and pivotally connected to the frame at a second end of the second link;
• and
• an actuator pivotally connected to the frame, the actuator being configured to move the support surface between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position;
• and
• a fluid tank positioned generally under the support surface of the material loading apparatus when the support surface is in the generally horizontal position;
• and
• b) a movable cutting apparatus positioned for shaping material supported by the support surface of the material loading apparatus when the support surface is in the generally horizontal position, wherein the cutting apparatus is movable along a length and a width of the support surface, and wherein the cutting apparatus is also movable in a vertical direction toward and away from the support surface.