Abstract: A material handling apparatus comprising a charging hopper having an upper first opening through which material can be loaded into the charging hopper and a lower second opening through which material can be discharged from the charging hopper. The apparatus includes a control member having a work head having one or more sections which is mounted for movement within the charging hopper about a pivot axis which extends generally laterally with respect to the normal upright operative position of the apparatus. The control member is pivotally movable about the pivot axis between a first position in which the work head is spaced from and disposed above the second opening, and a second position in which the work head is adjacent or within the second opening. The control member has a plurality of arms for pivotally mounting control member. A pivot bar is coupled to the mounting arms for maintaining stability between the mounting arms and to ensure proper movement of the control member.