Slicing machine with cross transfer device for loading outside the machine and loading method for a slicing machine

A slicing machine for slicing a piece of product from a foodstuff into slices, comprising:

• a base frame,
• a forming tube channel fastened to the base frame and extending in the longitudinal direction, in particular variable in width, with an open longitudinal side and a channel cavity open at both ends,
• at least one cross press stamp which can be inserted into the open side of the forming tube channel in a first transverse direction to form a circumferentially closed forming tube,
• at least one longitudinal press stamp which can be inserted into the forming tube from the rear end for advancing as well as longitudinally pressing the product piece located therein in the feeding direction in the direction to the cutting end of the forming tube
• a cutting device with a blade which is arranged in front of the cutting end of the forming tube and is displaceable in a transverse direction relative to the forming tube,
• a loading device for loading the forming tube channel which is open on the longitudinal side,
• wherein
• the loading device comprises a transfer device which supports the forming tube channel and which is capable of transferring the forming tube channel from a loading position further away from the upright longitudinal center plane of the transverse press die, in particular outside the base frame of the machine, in transverse direction to the feed direction to a slicing position in which the longitudinal center plane runs between side walls of the forming tube channel, in particular centrally between their inner surfaces.