metal spikes 32 are swept the framing 19 is covered both laterally and at its top by a sheet metal apron 41 baffles 49 are arranged on the framing 19 between the cylinder 30 31 and the upper lap of the carding cloth on the outlet side of the cloth 17 on the carriage 11 there is in addition mounted for rotation a loosening cylinder 42 which is confrontingly parallel to the roller 15 of the carding cloth 17 the cylinder 42 is driven by an appropriate motive means not shown the cylinder 42 is confrontingly mounted with its metal spikes 44 relative to a vertical conveyor belt 43 the latter belt is borne at 45 and is not shown in its constructional details inasmuch as it is conventional the operation of the machine according to the intion is as follows let it be assumed that in the framing 10 beneath the carriage 11 a fibre bale 50 is arranged having a width which is substantially equal to the longitudinal extension and any desired length to loosen and remove the fibres from the bale 50 the carriage 11 is lowered in the direction of arrow 51 whereas the cloth 17 is driven by the motor 18 in the direction of arrow 52 the motor 33 drives the cylinder 30 in rotation in the direction of arrow 53 and the motor 34 drives the cylinder 31 in the direction of the arrow 54 due to the provision of a higher drive transfer ratio of either gear 37 38 the loosening cylinders.