Abstract: This inventions's method separates from excavated materials (2) fine constituents (3), preferably topsoil, and coarse constituents (4), preferably stones, roots or root crops. The materials to be excavated (2) are excavated by an excavating and separating bucket (11), of grid structure, which is subjected to separating movements causing the fine constituents (3) to escape from the excavating and separating bucket (11) through apertures provided for that purpose. To produce shock-free separating movements the excavating and separating bucket (11) is rotated continuously through one or preferably a plurality of revolutions in the same direction of rotation (R).A simple apparatus for carrying the method of the invention into effect is described. The excavating and separating bucket (11) is a unit (5) connected to an excavating and elevating assembly (8) on a vehicle (9).