Machine for automatically loading bar stock

Apparatus for automatically loading elongated bars generally horizontally into the work holder of a machine tool, said apparatus comprising a main support having means for guiding a bar for lengthwise movement toward the work holder, a carriage movable on said support in first and second directions and operable when moved in said first direction to advance said bar along said guide means and toward said work holder, a first reciprocating fluid-operated actuator having a reciprocating member, flexible cable means connected to said reciprocating member and to said carriage whereby back and forth movement of said reciprocating member causes said cable means to pull said carriage in said first and second directions, said carriage being pulled in said first direction and through a first distance by said cable means when said reciprocating member is moved a predetermined distance in said second direction, a second fluid-operated actuator having a reciprocating rod, a pusher operably connected to said rod, said second actuator being operable, after said carriage has been moved through said first distance, to move said pusher into operative engagement with said carriage and to push said carriage in said first direction with greater force than exerted on said carriage by said first actuator and said cable means, and means for measuring displacement of said carriage in said first direction by said second actuator and for disabling said second actuator after the latter has pushed said carriage through a second distance.