Abstract: A self-propelled pipeline padding machine and a method for padding pipelines in ditches without damaging the pipeline prior to backfilling of the ditch. A spoils pile comprising dirt, various size rocks, and sand taken from the ditch during the digging thereof lie in a generally continuous pile along side the ditch from the excavation thereof. The machine includes an excavator having an arm with end bucket for scooping up material from the spoils pile on the opposite side of the ditch and placing it into frame mounted padding material sorter mounted to the front of the excavator. The separated padding material falls onto a laterally disposed retractable conveyor below the sorter which moves the padding material onto the pipeline in the ditch ahead of the excavator. The residual rocks and debris fall between the tracks of the excavator. The sorter can be tilted using hydraulic cylinders between the frame supporting the sorter and the undercarriage of the excavator.