A shaking unit for the generation of one-dimensional oscillating movements of a machine part mass is provided having a coupling part for mechanical coupling to the machine part mass, a counter-mass which is coupled resiliently to the coupler part and, via the latter, to the machine part mass, and a drive system which acts in a sprung manner between the coupler part and the counter-mass. The coupling part may surround the counter-mass as a frame. At least one of two pneumatic springs of the drive system, which are arranged on both sides of the counter-mass, is loaded with a minimum and/or with a maximum load pressure of the pneumatic springs depending on an oscillation state.