What is this piece on the diverter?

[JParrott]

We picked up a used diverter, alley, tub, and chute setup. There's a long bar with a loop and a pin through it on top of the diverter gate where the entry to the lane begins. We can't figure out what it would be used for. Anyone here know?

 

[M-5]

Most likely a lever to operate it from a catwalk above the chute