A loading machine for simultaneously transferring fuel elements between a reactor core and a storage rack in a nuclear power station has a mast divided into individual mast parts. Each mast part has its own gripping and guiding devices for gripping and holding the individual fuel elements. The mast is provided on a trolley. At least one of the mast parts is movable horizontally on the trolley and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The individual fuel elements can be lifted out of the reactor core simultaneously, their position relative to each other can be changed, and the fuel elements can be set down on a storage rack or a workplace. A method for transferring fuel elements in a nuclear power station is also provided.