Merger and pick-up header for a merger

A merger apparatus for lifting and conveying material comprising:

• a pick-up header;
• a horizontal frame member;
• a conveyor positioned between the pick-up header and the horizontal frame member in a front to rear direction of the merger apparatus;
• a plurality of skid shoes positioned below at least one of the pick-up header and the conveyor;
• a main pivot shaft operatively connected to at least one of the pick-up header and the horizontal frame member;
• a first space between the conveyor and the skid shoes in a vertical direction;
• and
• a second space between the conveyor and a surface that the skid shoes rest on to support the merger apparatus,
• wherein the skid shoes are mounted on the main pivot shaft and at least one of an angle of the skid shoes and/or a vertical position of the pick-up header is adjusted with a rotational movement of the main pivot shaft, and
• wherein material remaining on a conveyor surface that faces the surface falls directly through the first space and the second space without being obstructed.

A merger skid shoe apparatus, comprising:

• a main pivot shaft;
• a first connection member, having a first end and a second end;
• a first pivot member;
• a skid shoe, having a substantially flat surface with at least one angled or curved edge;
• wherein the main pivot shaft is connected to the first end of the first connection member, the second end of the first connection member is connected to the first pivot member, located in a forward position;
• and rotation of the main pivot shaft varies the vertical position of the skid shoe.