Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus and method for separating particles according to size, shape, and/or density. The apparatus includes a single vibrating mechanism and a frame forming a vibrating space having classifying elements in the form of cloths, wires or bars, slopingly arranged in the space, one below the other. A collection of particles is fed through an inlet into the space, wherein the vibrating means is mounted in a transversal structure of the frame and is arranged below the inlet and well to the rear of the center of gravity of the apparatus relative to the direction of particle flow. The inlet is moved with a stroke which is more than twice as large as the motion at the center of gravity.