Abstract: An apparatus for spreading a bedding material in a ditch to provide a bedding layer for laying a pipe thereon is disclosed. The apparatus includes a screened opening which extends for selectively passing bedding material below a readily selected particulate size, and particulate matter above the selected particulate size is directed forward of the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a discharge opening having side plates which control the width of the bedding layer. The discharge opening also has a back-skid plate for controlling the vertical thickness of the bedding layer. The back-skid plate is a horizontally extending plate which is adjustable for selectively determining the vertical thickness of the bedding layer deposited.