Abstract: A full face miner including a simplified conveying arrangement and designed for easy maneuverability into and out of mine sites. A plow operatively mounted to and longitudinally movable with each of a pair of rotatable cutting heads of the miner provide for the conveyance of cut coal to a middle conveying portion for ultimate transport away from the mine site. The mounting mechanism for the cutting heads is designed so that at least the end portions thereof are movable from a position generally parallel to the mine face to a position generally perpendicular to the mine face and extending in front of and in line with the central conveying means, for ease of withdrawal from the mining area. A motive power source, such as a powered crawler or powered wheels, is provided which is movable into operative engagement with the ground to transport the miner to and from the mining site when in a collapsed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming bores in coal seams and the like and enlarging pre-existing bores. A mining machine includes a non-rotatable body member, a conveyor, such as an auger, in line with the body member, and a pair of wing cutters mounted on the body member for pivotal movement with respect thereto. The wing cutters are movable from a first position wherein they are generally in line with the body member and conveyor, to a second position wherein they are disposed outwardly with respect to the body member. The wing cutters will be in their first position during movement into a bore, and will be moved to and latched in a second position during movement out of the bore. A pilot cutting head in front of the body member may also be provided. The wing cutters may comprise rotatable drums driven by cutting chains, and the drums are normally powered to rotate outwardly from the body member, in directions opposite to each other.