Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus for spreading, levelling fine particulate earth or sand material in the base region of a preformed trench and separately for compacting said fine particulate material about a pipe line laid in the trench, the apparatus including a spreader and leveller device having a pair of spaced side walls each supported on a skid member to facilitate sliding along the base of the trench, the apparatus also having adjustable width cross braces an open front face, formed transverse wall that is also adjustable in width and having a lower edge that is adjustable in height relative to the skid members, the apparatus further having connection means to enable the apparatus to be connected to machinery for towing same along said trench, the apparatus further including a separate compaction device compressed by a pair of spaced wheels having teeth around their peripheries, the wheels being adjustable in transverse position relative to each other and connection devices being provided enabling

Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus (10) for excavating a trench (18) and preparing a base region of the trench (18) for laying of a pipeline, cabling or the like therein, the apparatus (10) including a trench forming machine (11) driven in a forward direction (14) while excavating the trench (18), the appraatus (10) also including a device (13) for laying bedding material in the base region of the trench, the device (13) being integrally part of the trench forming machine (11) or being towed thereby, the apparatus (10) further including conveyor means (20, 22, 23) for conveying excavated trench material created by the trench forming machine (11) to the device (13) for laying bedding material into the trench (18), the device (13) including a vibrating screen separator (25) for separating fine particulate material from coarser excavated trench material whereby the fine particulate material is delivered to the base region of the trench (18).