Abstract: A method of excavating a surface layer of soil is disclosed that uses an excavator with a grab having two bucket halves with cutting edge. In a first excavating position, the grab is held in a first orientation as seen in projection on a horizontal plane and inserted into the layer of soil in an open position of the bucket halves until their cutting edges reach a first predetermined level while maintaining the first orientation. While maintaining that level and first orientation, the bucket halves are moved to a closed position during which movement their cutting edges move towards each other through a substantially straight path so as to excavate a first rectangular portion of the layer of soil. The grab is then lifted and moved to a discharge position horizontally spaced from the excavating position and emptied there to make further transport of the excavated soil possible.