The paper discusses an occurrence or latent reactions in the direction perpendicular to the movement of the suspension systems in vibratory machines supported by parallel leaf springs. These reactions occur despite an apparent lack of any forces acting in that direction and may - for long machine bodies - reach values comparable with the exciting force of the vibrator. Analytical relationships allowing for estimation of the value of reactions were derived. The obtained results were verified by means of the Geometric Element Method as well as by the performed experiments.