Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a distance of a height-adjustable side shield of a milling drum box of a ground milling machine, in particular a road milling machine, a recycler or a stabilizer, in vertical direction with respect to the ground, comprising the steps of: ascertaining a reference value for the height setting of the side shield from operating parameters of the ground milling machine, determining a desired distance (d) between the side shield and the ground, the desired distance (d) ensuring the safety of persons located next to the ground milling machine, ascertaining a necessary height setting of the side shield from the reference value and the desired distance (d), and setting the position of the side shield with respect to the ground in observance of the desired distance (d), so that the side shield is guided, in vertical downward direction, without contact to the ground.

Abstract: A tool includes an actuator assembly, a rod, a first nut, and a second nut. The actuator assembly includes a cylinder, a ram, and a bore extending through the cylinder and the ram. The cylinder includes an internal chamber supporting the ram, a first end, a second end, and a reaction surface positioned proximate the first end. The ram is movable relative to the cylinder and positioned adjacent the second end of the cylinder. The rod extends through the bore of the actuator assembly. The first nut is selectively coupled to one of a first end of the rod and a second end of the rod, and defines a first dimension larger than the bore width of the bit block. The second nut is selectively coupled to the other of the first end of the rod and the second end of the rod, and defines a second dimension less than the bore width.

Abstract: A method for controlling a machine operating at a worksite is provided. The worksite includes a pit region having a crest node and a low wall. The low wall is an incline having a positive slope. The method includes identifying a location of the crest node and activating a low wall detection module at the location of the crest node as the machine moves past the crest node towards the pit region. The low wall detection module is operable within a defined low wall detection gap to detect the low wall.

Abstract: A method of designing a cutting drum for earth moving equipment is disclosed. The cutting drum has two or more ring segments, each ring segment comprising a plurality of cutting tools, and the rotational position of at least one ring segment is adjustable relative to one or more other ring segment and fixable in the new rotational position. The method involves inputting a plurality of design parameters of a cutting drum into a computer program, performing a computer simulated analysis of the cutting drum using the computer program to determine at least one operational value associated with at least one design objective, using the computer simulated analysis to determine the relative locations of the ring segments that correspond to the at least one design objective, and rotating the or each adjustable ring segment relative to at least one other ring segment so that the relative locations of the ring segments correspond to the at least one design objective.

Abstract: In a cold planer, a rotor housing partially enclosing a rotor may have a rotor housing side wall with retention plates defining a space in which a rotor housing side plate disposed so that the side plate can translate and rotate relative to the rotor housing. A pair of side plate lift cylinders may operate to vary a vertical position of the rotor housing side plate and a rotation of the rotor housing side plate about a horizontal axis relative to the rotor housing. The cold planer may use information from one or more distance sensors to identify contours in a work surface over which the cold planer is propelled, and actuate the lift cylinders to adjust the position and orientation of the rotor housing side plate to closely track the contour of the work surface and substantially prevent ground material from escaping from the rotor housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for splitting rock, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a drill assembly mounted to the housing and configured to move longitudinally relative to the housing, the drill assembly comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a drive element for selectively rotating the shaft and a drill bit mounted to the distal end of the shaft for drilling a hole into rock; a splitter assembly mounted to the housing and configured to move longitudinally relative to the housing, the splitter assembly comprising a tether and a wedge, the tether and the wedge being configured to be moved independently relative to one another; wherein the wedge comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the wedge being wider than the distal end of the wedge; wherein the tether comprises a radially-reduced profile when the wedge is disposed proximal to the tether, and wherein the tether comprises a radially-expanded profile after the wedge is moved distally relative to the tether.

Abstract: A spray bar assembly in a material working system of a ground-engaging machine, such as a rotary mixer, includes a spray bar coupled with an elongate carrier by way of a hinge connector. The elongate carrier is supported between guides mounted upon a housing of a rotor in the material working system, to guide the spray bar assembly for linear movement relative to a frame of the ground-engaging machine. The elongate carrier has openings that register with spray ports in a housing of the system, and the spray bar is tiltable to position spray nozzles within the openings and spray ports or withdraw the spray nozzles from the openings and spray ports.

Abstract: In a drum housing for a working drum of a construction machine or mining machine, said working drum being provided with tools and rotating about a drum axis, with a housing shell which at least partially encloses the circumference of the working drum, and with at least one inspection opening for a monitoring device arranged in the housing shell, wherein said monitoring device inspects the condition of the working drum or the tools thereof, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: a closing mechanism is arranged on the outside of the housing shell, said closing mechanism enabling closure of the at least one inspection opening.

Abstract: A system for uncovering a trench. The system comprises several subsystems, including a work machine and a frame for providing a seal with the surface to be trenched with a saw blade contained therein. The blade is supported on a hub which is slidably movable relative to the frame by operation of a linear actuator, which may be a hydraulic cylinder or the like. The vertical location of the blade within the frame is continuously adjustable to create a deeper or shallower trench. A monitoring system is provided to monitor the vertical location from an operator station.

Abstract: In a self-propelled road milling machine for milling road surfaces comprising a milling roller housing arranged at the machine frame between the front and rear chassis axles, it is provided that the rear end, as seen in the direction of travel, of the milling roller housing is flush with a height adjustable stripper shield which laterally rests in the milling track of the milling roller and resiliently against a milling edge of the milling track extending orthogonally to the road surface.

Abstract: A device (1) for driving tunnels, galleries or the like including a cutting head (2), wherein an excavating direction of the cutting head (2) being essentially at a right angle to said rotation axis (R), a base unit (3) with stabilizing units (S1, S2, S3, S4) for applying and fixing against rock surfaces, a support unit (4) for the cutting head (2), a joint device (5) for pivotal connection of the support unit to the base unit, forcing means (6,7,8,9) arranged between the base unit and the support unit for swinging the cutting head. The joint device (5) is arranged for vertical as well as for horizontal swinging of the support unit (4) in respect of the base unit (3), wherein the support unit (4) is vertically as well as horizontally swingable by means of a pair of upper fluid cylinders (6,7) and a pair of lower fluid cylinders (8,9) comprising said forcing means.

Abstract: A retention system is provided for use in connecting a replaceable tool to a work implement. The retention system may have a sleeve configured to be received within corresponding bores in the work implement and the replaceable tool. The sleeve may have a radially oriented hole passing through an outer surface thereof. The retention system may also have a pin disposed within the sleeve. The pin may have a cam lobe located at an end adjacent the radially oriented hole of the sleeve and radially offset from a central axis. The retention system may additionally have a key disposed within the radially oriented hole of the sleeve and configured to ride on the cam lobe. The key may be movable during rotation of the pin from a retracted position to an activated position at which the key extends beyond the outer surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: There is disclosed an assembly, a system and a method for modal impart testing. The assembly has a first set of components. The first set of components include an impact assembly, a cycle control element coupled to the impact assembly, and a signal response measuring device positioned opposite the impact assembly. The assembly further has a second set of components separate from the first set of components. The second set of components include a first controller coupled to the cycle control element and a second controller coupled to the signal response measuring device. The first set of components and the second set of components form a modal impact testing assembly for modal impact testing. The impact assembly of the modal impact testing assembly is configured to impact a test element rotating at operational speeds.

Abstract: Methods to control dewatering of confined, saturated formations in excavation mines may include treating a portion of an untreated smectite shale barrier with a dewatering fluid thereby yielding a treated smectite shale barrier, wherein the untreated smectite shale barrier is associated with a confined, saturated formation that comprises water, and wherein the dewatering fluid comprises an aqueous base fluid and a dewatering additive; and draining at least a portion of the water from the confined, saturated formation through the treated smectite shale barrier. In some instances, the dewatering additive may include potassium citrate and potassium nitrate each independently in a concentration of about 0.5% to about 5% by weight of the aqueous base fluid.

Abstract: A high-efficiency mining machine for percussing falling-materials without trapping materials. Also disclosed is a high-efficiency mining method for percussing falling-materials without trapping materials. The mining machine has a simple structure and works in a reliable way.

Abstract: A pick tool for pavement degradation or mining, comprising an insert and a holder, the insert comprising a super-hard strike tip joined to a proximate end of an insertion shaft. The insertion shaft is secured by an interference fit within a bore provided in the holder, the insertion shaft having a longitudinal axis and a distal end of the insertion shaft positioned at an insertion depth within the bore. A wear limit marker is provided on an external surface of the holder and positioned to correspond to an axial distance along the insertion shaft from the distal end, the distance being at least 20 percent and at most 35 percent of the insertion depth.

Abstract: A self-propelled or stationary construction machine or agricultural machine is provided having a rotatable work device, in particular, a work device for processing soil surfaces or for chopping material. The machine has a drive device for the work device, the drive device having a first drive source and a switchable coupling unit between the first drive source and the work device for engaging the work device with the first drive source. The drive device is equipped with an additional drive unit, the machine being configured for controlling the drive device to accelerate the work device by means of the additional drive unit to an operating speed which would result during operation of the work device by means of the first drive source. In addition, an associated method for driving a work device of a construction or agricultural machine is disclosed.

Abstract: A rolling friction or suspension friction impact mining method and a wear-resistant impact mining machine using said method. The mining machine comprises a reciprocating impact part (3). The reciprocating impact part comprises an impact drive device (4), a rolling reciprocating device, and an impact head (6). The rolling reciprocating device comprises a rubbing body (38), a rubbing body support (39), an impact guiding element (5.1), and a position-limiting mechanism. The rubbing body (5.3) are disposed between the robbing body support (39) and the impact guiding element (5.1), and inside of the position-limiting mechanism to form rolling guiding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in a self-propelled construction machine with a first driving unit, which provides for a first speed of rotation (n1). By means of a planetary gear the first speed of rotation (n1) is translated into a different speed of rotation (n3) at which a working device of the construction machine, in particular a milling rotor for processing ground surfaces, can be operated.

Abstract: In a self-propelled road milling machine for processing road surfaces, with a machine frame supported by a height-adjustable chassis, with a milling drum mounted to rotate in a milling drum housing, with a milling drum drive for the milling drum, and with a height-adjustable scraper blade in the milling track of the milling drum, said scraper blade closing the milling drum housing towards the rear, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: that the scraper blade, laterally in the milling track of the milling drum, lies resiliently against the milling edge of the milling track, said milling edge extending orthogonal to the road surface.

Abstract: A pin-and-collet assembly, a longwall shearer comprising a ranging arm attached to a lifting bracket with such assembly, a method for the secure fastening of one piece to another, such as securely fastening the ranging arm to the lifting bracket of a longwall shearer using such assembly as a bushing, and a method for longwall mining of ore, such as trona, using such longwall shearer. This assembly is easy to install, does not have to be tightened during longwall operation of an ore panel, and is also demountable when it is time to stop the longwall mining operation and time to remove/replace the ranging arm for maintenance and/or when the end of the ore panel is reached.

Abstract: This tunnel excavation method includes a step of excavating three first tunnels that are substantially parallel to each other in a first excavation step. Second tunnels are excavated that intersect the first tunnels in a second excavation step. A boring machine is used that performs excavation in a state in which a gripper pushes against the side wall of the tunnel.

Abstract: A method of open cut mining comprising carrying out mining operations in an area of an open cut mine with manned resources and unmanned resources and providing separate access for these resources to the mine area at selected locations. Alternatively, or in addition, the method comprises carrying out mining operations in the mine area with manned resources and unmanned resources operating in selected, separate unmanned and manned zones, respectively within the mine area.

Abstract: A cold planer is disclosed. The cold planer may have a frame, a drum rotatably mounted to the frame, and a gear box connected to the drum. The cold planer may also have a drive pulley connected to the gear box, a primary motor, and a drive belt connecting the primary motor to the drive pulley. The cold planer may further have a service pulley connected to the gear box, a service motor, and a service belt that connects the service motor to the service pulley. The cold planer may additionally have the gear box being configured to transfer motion from the drive pulley and the service pulley to the drum.

Abstract: A method of designing a cutting drum for earth moving equipment is disclosed. The cutting drum has two or more ring segments, each ring segment comprising a plurality of cutting tools, and the rotational position of at least one ring segment is adjustable relative to one or more other ring segment and fixable in the new rotational position. The method involves inputting a plurality of design parameters of a cutting drum into a computer program, performing a computer simulated analysis of the cutting drum using the computer program to determine at least one operational value associated with at least one design objective, using the computer simulated analysis to determine the relative locations of the ring segments that correspond to the at least one design objective, and rotating the or each adjustable ring segment relative to at least one other ring segment so that the relative locations of the ring segments correspond to the at least one design objective.

Abstract: A highwall mining equipment extraction and retrieval apparatus and method is disclosed. It includes remotely operable hydraulic cylinders fixed to the mining head and stabilizing arms which brace the mining platform against the face of a mine. Wire ropes extend from hydraulic cylinders, through channels in the pushbeams, through lockable blocks fixed to the mining platform, and onto storage spools. The hydraulic cylinders operate from an extended to a retracted position. When a mine collapse occurs, an operator can remotely actuate the lockable blocks and the hydraulic cylinders, thereby locking the wire rope to the platform and pulling the mining head and pushbeams towards the platform. If the obstruction remains, the locking blocks can be unlocked, the hydraulic cylinders extended from the retracted position, the excess wire rope pulled from the mine, and the process can then be repeated until the equipment is free from the obstruction.

Abstract: An equipment (1) for demolishing a building (2), wherein said building (2) comprises a building base (3) placed in proximity of a ground (4), or placed on the ground (4), and an opposite building top (5) or temporary building top (5) arranged away from said building base (3), as well as building floors (6), comprises: —a platform (7) adapted to be positioned against the top of the building (5) avoiding ground support devices which from the platform (7) reach the base of the building (3) or the ground (4) surrounding the building; said platform (7) comprising at least one working scaffold (8) adapted to be arranged along the periphery (9) of said building (2) and to face at least one floor (6) of said building (2); —said at least one working scaffold (8) being supported, hanged, on said platform (7) so that it descends along the side wall (10) of the building (2) to border the works for demolishing the building (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for a breaking hammer, a breaking hammer, and the use of a breaking hammer. The breaking hammer includes a percussion device, the percussion piston of which providing impacts to the tool for breaking rock. An impact surface of the tool has a curved form surface that has a radius of curvature and a center axis on the longitudinal axis of the tool. The direction of the centre axis is transverse to the plane through the longitudinal axis of the boom of a work machine.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a system for removing road material. In an embodiment, the system may include a milling drum and at least one pick mounted on the milling drum. The pick may include polycrystalline diamond at least partially forming one or more working surfaces of the pick.

Abstract: A construction machine for the treatment of ground surfaces includes a machine frame, a drive motor, a work drum supported from the machine frame and including exchangeable tools fastened to the work drum, a belt drive and an auxiliary drive. The belt drive includes a motor-side pulley connected to the drive motor, a drum-side pulley connected to the work drum, and at least one drive belt connecting the motor-side pulley to the drum-side pulley. The auxiliary drive may be permanently coupled to the belt drive, or the auxiliary drive may include an adjustment mechanism for moving the auxiliary drive between a coupled and an uncoupled position.

Abstract: A road milling machine with a machine frame supported by a chassis with one front axle and one rear axle with wheels or crawler tracks, with a milling drum mounted at the machine frame to rotate between the rear wheels, where said milling drum ends nearly flush with a zero-clearance side, it is provided that the wheels or crawler tracks of the front axle as seen in the direction of travel are arranged offset from one another in such a fashion that one of the front wheels or tracks is arranged in front of the other front wheel or crawler track as seen in the direction of travel.

Abstract: A highwall mining equipment extraction and retrieval apparatus and method is disclosed. It includes remotely operable hydraulic cylinders fixed to the mining head and stabilizing arms which brace the mining platform against the face of a mine. Wire ropes extend from hydraulic cylinders, through channels in the pushbeams, through lockable blocks fixed to the mining platform, and onto storage spools. The hydraulic cylinders operate from an extended to a retracted position. When a mine collapse occurs, an operator can remotely actuate the lockable blocks and the hydraulic cylinders, thereby locking the wire rope to the platform and pulling the mining head and pushbeams towards the platform. If the obstruction remains, the locking blocks can be unlocked, the hydraulic cylinders extended from the retracted position, the excess wire rope pulled from the mine, and the process can then be repeated until the equipment is free from the obstruction.

Abstract: A cold planer is disclosed. The cold planer may have a frame, a drum rotatably mounted to the frame, and a gear box connected to the drum. The cold planer may also have a drive pulley connected to the gear box, a primary motor, and a drive belt connecting the primary motor to the drive pulley. The cold planer may further have a service pulley connected to the gear box, a service motor, and a service belt that connects the service motor to the service pulley. The cold planer may additionally have the gear box being configured to transfer motion from the drive pulley and the service pulley to the drum.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for producing a planar cavern are provided. The planar cavern is formed by first creating a continuous bore that extends through a subsurface resource deposit. The drill head used to create the bore can be steered in response to information about the concentration of the resource in the strata through which the drill head is passing, in order to keep the bore within resource deposit. The continuous bore can be formed by connecting first and second bores at a point within the subsurface resource deposit. After the continuous bore has been formed, a sawing assembly is placed within the continuous bore. The sawing assembly is then moved, in a continuous or in a reciprocating fashion, within the continuous bore. As the sawing assembly is moved, it is maintained under tension, to create a planar cavern. By thus exposing a large area of the resource deposit, a relatively large amount of the resource deposit can be dissolved in a solvent introduced to the planar cavern per unit time.

Abstract: A method of degassing a coal seam by directionally drilling a borehole in a rock formation that is adjacent the coal seam, or between two different coal seams. The borehole is then pressurised to fracture the adjacent coal seam(s) to enhance the permeability thereof and allow fluids to flow from the coal seam to the borehole and be extracted from the coal seam.

Abstract: A mobile mining machine includes a movable machine base frame having a boom, a swinging device for swinging the boom, and a tilting device for tilting the boom. At least one tool drum is coupled to the boom for rotation about a drum axis and rotatable tool carriers are arranged on a circumference of the tool drum. The boom has a supporting arm, on which the tool drum is mounted, and a separate swinging base, which is swingable about a swing axis in relation to the machine base frame by the swinging device. The supporting arm and the swinging base are connected to one another by a system of guide bars, by way of which a setting angle of the drum axis in relation to the swing axis is adjustable.

Abstract: In an automotive construction machine, with a machine frame (4) with preferably vertically arranged lateral outer walls (5), a milling drum (6) mounted in the machine frame (4) for working a ground surface or traffic surface (8), and with an operator's platform (10), it is provided that the operator's platform (10) is moveable on the machine frame (4) transversely to the direction of travel, and is moveable outwards beyond the lateral outer walls (5) of the machine frame (4), that the machine frame (4) is provided with a guide (18) for the operator's platform (10) acting transversely to the direction of travel, and that the guide (18) projects laterally either not at all or just slightly beyond the outer walls (5).

Abstract: A cutter head includes a first member, a cutting bit, and a second member. The first member includes a first end and a second end and includes a first mass. The cutting bit is coupled to the first member proximate the second end. The cutting bit includes a cutting edge rotatable about the axis. The second member is rotatable about the axis and includes a second mass eccentrically positioned with respect to the axis. Rotation of the second mass causes the first member and the cutting bit to oscillate.

Abstract: In a drum housing for a working drum of a construction machine or mining machine for working off milled material movable in a working direction, said working drum being provided with tools and rotating about a drum axis, with a housing shell that at least partially encloses the circumference of the working drum, and with at least one monitoring device arranged radially outside of the housing shell, said monitoring device inspecting the condition of the working drum or of the tools thereof, it is provided for the following features to be achieved: at least one inspection opening for each monitoring device is arranged in the housing shell, and a partial flow of the milled material passes through the at least one inspection opening during the milling operation and guiding devices conduct the partial flow, in radial direction behind the housing shell, in front of or behind the working drum as seen in the working direction.

Abstract: A road milling machine includes a rear wheel or track mounted on a pivot arm such that the wheel or track is movable between a first outer end position projecting laterally relative to the machine frame, and a second inner end position which permits milling close to an edge. A travel drive of the rear wheel or track provides a driving force to move the wheel or track between the end positions.

Abstract: A slab saw including a frame, an engine supported by the frame, an arbor, and first and second tracks disposed along opposing sides of the frame. The arbor may be configured to be rotated by the engine. The first track and the second track may be configured to propel the frame. A drive assembly may be configured to independently drive the first track with respect to the second track to propel the slab saw. A control assembly may be configured to control the drive assembly as to a speed and direction of the slab saw.

Abstract: The invention concerns a demolition arrangement for a remote-controlled working machine (1) equipped with a manoeuvrable arm (9), which machine, electrically powered and able to be driven on tracks (17), is principally intended for destruction and demolition work through the demolition processing with an impact tool (50) that operates through a hydraulically powered hammer (32) and where an operator walking next to the machine controls its various movements with a remote-control unit (4), which machine has a chassis (5) with an upper part (6) that is mounted in bearings on a lower part (7) in a manner that allows rotation for the rotation of the upper part in a horizontal plane around a vertical axis (8), whereby the manoeuvrable arm is supported at the upper part and including a series of arm parts (10, 11, 12) mutually joined to each other and that can be manoeuvred in a vertical plane by associated hydraulic cylinders (13, 14, 15), a link system (20) arranged at the free end of the arm that can be adjusted

Abstract: An automotive milling machine, for the treatment of road surfaces or ground surfaces includes a chassis comprising front and rear suspension axles with a total of no less than three suspension units with a machine frame supported by the chassis, with lifting columns between the suspension units and the machine frame at no less than two suspension units of a suspension axle, said suspension units being transversely offset from one another in the direction of travel, and with a working drum. The working drum is adjustable to a position for driving in travel mode with the working drum raised and, in the adjusted position of the working drum at a distance from the road surface or ground surface, the lifting columns are suitable for coupling to a spring device.

Abstract: A self-propelled or stationary construction machine or agricultural machine is provided having a rotatable work device, in particular, a work device for processing soil surfaces or for chopping material. The machine has a drive device for the work device, the drive device having a first drive source and a switchable coupling unit between the first drive source and the work device for engaging the work device with the first drive source. The drive device is equipped with an additional drive unit, the machine being configured for controlling the drive device to accelerate the work device by means of the additional drive unit to an operating speed which would result during operation of the work device by means of the first drive source. In addition, an associated method for driving a work device of a construction or agricultural machine is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of mining a valuable metal or material in an ore body is described. The method comprises the steps of: a) placing a cushion in a stope whereby the cushion creates a void into which fragmented rock can expand during subsequent blasting operations for a second or subsequent panel; and, b) maintaining the void until blasting operations occur whereupon the void is caused to collapse to accommodate fragmented ore generated during blasting operations.

Abstract: A pin-and-collet assembly, a longwall shearer comprising a ranging arm attached to a lifting bracket with such assembly, a method for the secure fastening of one piece to another, such as securely fastening the ranging arm to the lifting bracket of a longwall shearer using such assembly as a bushing, and a method for longwall mining of ore, such as trona, using such longwall shearer. This assembly is easy to install, does not have to be tightened during longwall operation of an ore panel, and is also demountable when it is time to stop the longwall mining operation and time to remove/replace the ranging arm for maintenance and/or when the end of the ore panel is reached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a side plate arrangement for a milling device, comprising a milling roller box arranged on a frame of the milling device, having a side plate whose height can be adjusted and a side plate support having a swivel bearing with a swivel axis around which the side plate can swivel against the frame in a swivel area. The present invention further relates to the use of a swivel guide and a milling machine with such a side plate arrangement. One element of the present invention is a guide curve running concentrically to the swivel axis, with the help of which the swivel movement of the side plate around the swivel axis is carried out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a ground milling machine which comprises at least one height-adjustable milling roller, wherein the milling roller performs a tumbling movement (T?) which is controlled by way of open-loop and/or closed-loop control during lowering in operation. The present invention further relates to a control device for the closed-loop and/or open-loop control of this method, and also to a ground milling machine with such a control device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tunnel excavating apparatus for excavating tunnels in earth. This tunnel excavating apparatus comprises shell bodies, an excavating mechanism disposed on front of the excavating portion shell body, and a propelling mechanism disposed within the shell body. The shell bodies include an excavating portion shell body, a front shell body, and a rear shell body disposed in order from the leading end side in the advancing direction of excavation. The propelling mechanism comprises a projection mechanism and an extension mechanism. The projection mechanism includes front circumferential jacks in the front shell body and rear circumferential jacks in the rear shell body, both of which are capable of extension and contraction in the outer circumferential direction.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a cutting mechanism with an arm, and a substantial weight of more than a thousand pounds attached to the arm. The mining machine also includes a first disc cutter adapted to engage the material to be mined and mounted on a first disc cutter assembly for eccentrically driving the first disc cutter, the first disc cutter assembly being mounted within the substantial weight. The mining machine also includes at least a second disc cutter spaced apart from the first disc cutter assembly and adapted to engage the material to be mined, and mounted on a second disc cutter assembly for eccentrically driving the second disc cutter, the second disc cutter assembly being mounted within the substantial weight.