Abstract: A shearer loader for underground mining operations including a duplex-input transmission coupled to the haulage box drive motor of the shearer loader. A first input of the duplex-input transmission is coupled to the haulage box office motor, and a second input of the duplex-input transmission is coupled to a drum-cutter drive motor of the shearer loader. During those times in which increased feed rates are required of the shearer loader, feed forces required for the increased feed rate is supplied by both the haulage box drive motor, and the drum-cutter drive motor.

Abstract: A rack assembly for allowing movement of a winning machine utilized in underground, long-wall mining operations. The rack assembly is comprised of a plurality of rack sections positioned end-to-end and suitable for attachment to trough sections of a face conveyor. The rack sections correspond in a one to one relationship to the trough sections and have lengths slightly greater than the associated trough sections. Toggles connect adjacent rack sections and maintain the adjacent rack sections such that end faces of the rack sections are maintained contiguous to one another, preventing relative longitudinal movement between the adjacent rack sections. The toggle, however, allows limited, relative vertical and horizontal movement between adjacent rack sections to allow positioning of the rack sections along a mine floor.