a merger apparatus including a pick - up header ; a conveyor with a conveyor belt ; a skid shoe disposed below the pick - up header and the conveyor ; and an operative connection between the pick - up header and the skid shoe that enables the merger apparatus to articulate independently of an external frame underneath the conveyor , such that loose material transported by the conveyor belt that lags beneath the return side may fall to the ground keeping the return side of the conveyor belt free from obstructions .