Apparatus for mechanically removing pelt from the carcass of an animal. The apparatus includes a pair of moveable load arms (24) pivotally coupled to a main arm (17). The load arms (24) are locatable one either side of a carcass suspended from a suspension element (16). A clamping mechanism (25) is carried,by each of the load arms (24) and is engageable with pelt flaps of a worked up carcass. The load arms (24) are moveable, by an arm cylinder (27), relative to main arm (17). The main arm (17) is moveable by cylinder (19) relative to a frame (11). Thus by moving, via operation of the cylinders (19 and 27), the arms (17, 24) the clamping mechanisms (25) can be moved relative to the carcass. A control unit is operable to control cylinders (19 and 27) whereby the path of movement of the clamping mechanisms (25) relative to the carcass can be varied to suit variations in carcass size and shape.