Abstract: A cutting head and support arms for mining, for example, for high wall mining, provides a modular design and includes a pair of support arms, a head shaft extending between and outside of each of the support arms, a central and outer drums about the head shaft, and a set of removable struts attached between the support arms. The struts can be removed so that the support arms can be separated for easier access to the drums and head shaft and other components. Further, the support arms are of several laminate layers, which can be separated for ready maintenance, particularly for components at or near the outside ends of the cutting head and support arms, or within or about the support arms.

Abstract: A bearing type gear system for use with low seam crawler drive for underground mining equipment. The Bearing type gear system is comprised generally of a shaft, a set of multiple lubrication reservoirs, a needle bearing set or sets, a gear or gears, and gear teeth on the gear(s). As lubrication is sent into the shaft and gear area, the reservoirs along the shaft will pick up and hold portions of the lubrication. The reservoirs of the design herein, holding lubrication, can then help distribute the lubrication into the bearings over a greater amount of time. The reservoirs are of a number and location of intervals to provide sufficient lubrication to the entire surface of the shaft of the reservoirs as the shaft turns.