Abstract: An apparatus for pushing items relative to a conveyor includes a pushing member for abutting against the items so as to push the items in a direction generally transverse to the conveyor, drive means for driving movement of the pushing member, and a linkage coupling the drive means to the pushing member. The linkage is arranged such that in response to operation of the drive means the pushing member moves from a rest position to an extended position in a first stroke substantially horizontally in the direction transverse to the conveyor so as to push the items relative to the conveyor, and with further operation of the drive means the pushing member returns to the rest position in a second stroke with an arcuate motion for passing over the top of items on the conveyor.