Sorting or classifying machines

An optical sorting or classifying machine for sorting or classifying product, comprising a housing which includes an internal region, a chute which has a guide surface and is supported by the housing, an illumination unit for illuminating product as delivered on and/or from the chute, and at least one detector for detecting product as delivered on and/or from the chute;

• wherein the chute is pivotably coupled to the housing about a first pivot between a first, operative configuration, and a second, stowed configuration, in which an operator can access or enter the internal region.

An optical sorting or classifying machine for sorting or classifying product, comprising a housing, and a chute which has a guide surface and is supported by the housing, an illumination unit for illuminating product as delivered on and/or from the chute, and at least one detector for detecting product as delivered on and/or from the chute;

• wherein the chute comprises a first member which is pivotally coupled to the housing about a first pivot, and a second member which supports the guide surface and is pivotally coupled to the first member about a second pivot between an operative, expanded position and a collapsed position.