<p>A skinning machine (10) includes a frame (12), a linkage assembly (26) mounted to the frame, and a skinning assembly (14) mounted to the linkage assembly via lift arms (28, 30) . The linkage assembly raises and lowers the skinning assembly via the lift arms from open to a closed position, wherein the linkage assembly is located on one side of the skinning assembly. A spring cartridge (50) is operatively associated with the lift arms via an intermediate link (56) to equally apply bias force from the spring cartridge to the independently rotatable lift arms . The linkage assembly includes a cam slot (36) provided through a cam arm (34) to slidably receive a pin (38) therein. The cam slot is shaped to lock the pin when the linkage assembly is in the closed position. A cam block (46) is mounted to the frame and includes a cam notch (48) adapted to slidably secure the end of the pin in a locked open position.</p>
