A separator apparatus for separating and moving sheets from a stack of sheets is described. The separator includes an input area, a first and second series of rollers (R2, R3) for feeding a sheet on the bottom of the stack, a third and fourth series of rollers and a first series of belts. A pre-separation brake is provided to act on the first series of belts to cause a first stage separation of the bottom sheet. A separation brake is provided to act on the fourth series of rollers to cause a second stage separation of the bottom sheet. The pre-separation and separation brakes permit the bottom sheets to be separated from the stack. A fifth series of rollers and a second series of belts are provided to feed the bottom sheets away.