The vat car would have to have a removable top, and the top of the vat would be taken off like a regular barrel, and then, ummm
The Jolly Green Giant lifts it up and dumps it out!
I envision a couple guys standing next to the edge of the vats with a fork in hand. Trying to stab the pickle as it floats by. Kind of like how we do it in our pickle jars at home. 
Jake I think a pitchfork would be more the order of the day. A table fork would be most time consuming. Maybe if all else fails a rotary system , as used on coal docks, might be another answer. It would require good alignment however: just think of the mess if not done with accuracy.
Just a thought!