An article transfer apparatus includes a power driven shuttle carriage mounted for movement along a first linear path between opposite end limits. An article holder assembly includes a base mounted on the carriage for movement relative to the carriage along a second linear path normal to the first linear path between opposite end limits. The holder base mounts a sleeve slidable along an elongate guide rod whose opposite ends may be independently positioned transversely of the first linear path. The guide rod may thus be located to extend parallel to or be inclined relative to the first path to accordingly enable the sleeve to position the holder on the second linear path or to move the holder base transversely of the carriage driving movement of the carriage along the first linear path or may be inclined relative to the first path to accordingly enable the article holder to be adjusted about one axis relative to the base and driven in rotative adjustment relative to the base about the axis relative to the guide rod inclination.