Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for controlling a shearer in three dimensions, the shearer comprising at least one shearer drum attached to an arm having an adjustable arm height, the method comprising the steps of determining a current position of the shearer drum, calculating a target 3D cutting profile, and controlling the shearer by adjusting an arm height to the target 3D cutting profile using a PID controller. The present invention also pertains to a system configured to carry out such method.

Abstract: A shearer system for removing material along a mineable distance relative to a mining environment includes a rail assembly to support movement of a shearer carriage thereon. The system further includes a haulage motor structured and arranged to move the shearer carriage along the rail assembly. The system has a rotatably driven cutter that is positionable relative to the shearer carriage. The system further includes an actuator supported by the shearer carriage for changing a cutting height of the cutter. The system further includes a controller that can control a velocity of the shearer carriage based on a translation speed of the cutter, a maximum speed of the shearer carriage, a current cutter height, and a desired cutter height. Optionally, the controller can further control the velocity of the shearer carriage based on a predetermined stopping distance of the shearer carriage.