Abstract: Backfilling apparatus adapted to be moved along a trench by a tractor includes a chassis, a hitch attachable to the chassis on either side, hydraulic cylinder for varying the attitude of the chassis to the hitch, a hopper mounted on the chassis to receive backfilling material, a variable speed conveyor carrying backfilling material from the hopper to an elevated position, a shredder accepting material from the conveyor, an inclined vibrating screen receiving shredded material and discharging padding fill onto the pipe in the trench and oversize material onto the padding fill in the trench. A grizzly at the hopper mouth can be positioned to discharge large masses of fill on either side or the rear of the chassis.