Abstract: To determine the load distribution over the drilling head region of mining machines or roadheading machines the loads occurring at the individual roller drilling tools and simultaneously also the rotational running condition of the roller drilling tools are determined by determining the tangential deformations occurring at one of the races of a roller bearing associated with each tool. For this purpose, a measuring point with a strain gauge is associated with each roller bearing, that is, with either the outer race or the inner race of the bearing. With only this single measuring point, information is obtained on the magnitude of the load on the roller drilling tool and on its rotational running condition, this taking place via a great number of pulses per revolution. As a result, substantially more accurate information is obtained, as well as a simplification of the device from the constructional point of view, in comparison to prior devices.