A transfer mechanism is provided for transferring a load between an upper conveyor extending along a first axis and a lower conveyor extending along a second axis, vertically displaced from the first axis. The transfer mechanism includes first and second spaced, generally parallel rails having first ends pivotably mounted to the upper conveyor and opposite second ends. The rails are movable between a first position wherein the rails are generally co-planar with the upper conveyor and a second position wherein the rails extend from the upper conveyor at a predetermined angle. A transfer conveyor has a first end pivotably mounted to the second ends of the rails and a second opposite end. The transfer conveyor is movable between a first position wherein the transfer conveyor is generally co-planar with the rails and a second position wherein the transfer conveyor is at a predetermined angle to the rails such that the transfer conveyor is co-planar with the lower conveyor when the rails and the transfer conveyor are in the second positions.