Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating material are described. The material separator may include a frame comprising a base supporting a slanted grate deck and at least one reducer grate deck removably and pivotally coupled to the slanted grate deck. The method may include: removably and pivotally placing a removable reducer grate deck on a slanted grate deck; depositing excavated material on the removable reducer grate deck such that the material is separated by passing through both the removable reducer grate deck and the slanted grate deck; and releasing clogged material between grate bar members of the reducer grate deck and the slanted grate deck by engaging at least one internal bumper of the reducer grate deck with the moving equipment to push a free, non-pivoting end of the reducer grate deck upwards to release the clogged material.