A removable media tray for an image forming apparatus includes a housing, an exit port in the housing, a primary media stack, and a multi-purpose tray (MPT) input. Within the tray are first and second pick mechanisms operative to select a media sheet from the primary stack or MPT stack, respectively, and move the media sheet to the image forming apparatus through the exit port. A motor is disposed within the tray housing, and first and second drive assemblies operatively connect the motor to the first and second pick mechanisms, respectively. The motor drives the first pick mechanism forward by rotating in one direction, and drives the second pick mechanism forward by rotating in the opposite direction. A media sensor in the exit port senses media sheets from a variety of sources, including the primary media stack, the MPT stack, a duplex return path, or a large-capacity media sheet supply.