Abstract: A cutting head for a strip mining machine is provided that has a unique arrangement of cutting arms for prolonging the lift of the cutting head, which provides for efficient collection of disturbed mineral composite loosened by the cutting arms, and which has improved, replaceable cutting teeth. The improved cutting head comprises a rotatable axle member and a plurality of radially and longitudinally spaced cutting arms projecting generally radially outwardly from the axle member. A detachable cutting tooth is received within a receptacle at the outermost end of each cutting arm in a resilient force fit, and is retained within the receptacle by removable spiral pins. Flighting is provided for urging disturbed composite towards the middle of the cutting head, and the cutting arms in the middle of the cutting head are provided with impelling plates for urging the composite radially outwardly from the cutting head.
Abstract: A cutting head for a strip mining machine is provided that has a unique arrangement of cutting arms for prolonging the life of the cutting head, which provides for efficient collection of disturbed mineral composite loosened by the cutting arms, and which has improved, replaceable cutting teeth. The improved cutting head comprises a rotatable axle member and a plurality of radially and longitudinally spaced cutting arms projecting generally radially outwardly from the axle member. A detachable cutting tooth is received within a receptacle at the outermost end of each cutting arm in a resilient force fit, and is retained within the receptacle by removable spiral pins. Flighting is provided for urging disturbed composite towards the middle of the cutting head, and the cutting arms in the middle of the cutting head are provided with impelling plates for urging the composite radially outwardly from the cutting head.