A system for guiding movement of a chassis of a mining machine along a rack includes a shoe and a fluid line for receiving fluid from a fluid source. The shoe is configured to be coupled to the chassis and slidably engage the rack. The shoe is configured to extend at least partially around the rack. The shoe includes a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. At least a portion of the inner surface is configured to be positioned adjacent the rack. The fluid line includes an outlet positioned proximate the shoe for dispensing the fluid at an interface between the shoe and the rack.

A system for guiding movement of a chassis of a mining machine along a rack includes a shoe and a fluid line for receiving fluid from a fluid source. The shoe is configured to be coupled to the chassis and slidably engage the rack. The shoe is configured to extend at least partially around the rack. The shoe includes a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. At least a portion of the inner surface is configured to be positioned adjacent the rack. The fluid line includes an outlet positioned proximate the shoe for dispensing the fluid at an interface between the shoe and the rack.

Methods and systems of controlling a pitch angle of a shearer. A controller receives a sensor signal indicative of the pitch angle of the shearer, and receives a target pitch profile defining a plurality of target pitch angles for different sections of a mineral face. The controller determines a pitch difference between the pitch angle and a target pitch angle of the shearer, determines a pitch correction height corresponding to a new height for a floor cutter of the shearer based on the pitch difference, and changes a height of the floor cutter based on the pitch correction height.

Controlling an output of a mining system. The control includes receiving, at a processor, a first signal associated with a position of the shearer, determining, using the processor, the position of the shearer based on the first signal, receiving, at the processor, a second signal associated with a load of a conveyor, and determining, using the processor, the load of the conveyor based on the second signal. The method further includes determining, using the processor, an output of the mining system based on the position of the shearer and the load of the conveyor and controlling a speed of the shearer based on the output of the mining system.

Controlling an output of a mining system. The control includes receiving, at a processor, a first signal associated with a position of the shearer, determining, using the processor, the position of the shearer based on the first signal, receiving, at the processor, a second signal associated with a load of a conveyor, and determining, using the processor, the load of the conveyor based on the second signal. The method further includes determining, using the processor, an output of the mining system based on the position of the shearer and the load of the conveyor and controlling a speed of the shearer based on the output of the mining system.

Systems and methods are provided for detecting face alignment and face steering of a longwall mining system. The system includes a detection device mounted in a maingate roadway and a first indicator device mounted on a shearer of the longwall mining system to indicate a position of the shearer to the detection device. The system further includes a controller coupled to the detection device. The controller determines a shearer path of the shearer as the shearer moves along an ore face. The shearer path is determined based on a signal from the first indicator device received by the detection device. The controller generates an indication of face alignment based on the shearer path.

Systems and methods are provided for detecting face alignment and face steering of a longwall mining system. The system includes a detection device mounted in a maingate roadway and a first indicator device mounted on a shearer of the longwall mining system to indicate a position of the shearer to the detection device. The system further includes a controller coupled to the detection device. The controller determines a shearer path of the shearer as the shearer moves along an ore face. The shearer path is determined based on a signal from the first indicator device received by the detection device. The controller generates an indication of face alignment based on the shearer path.

A conveyor pan is provided for supporting a portion of a mining conveyor extending along a mine face and positioned between the mine face and a goaf. The conveyor pan includes a deck, a toe, and a heel. The deck includes a first side configured to be positioned proximate the mine face and a second side configured to be positioned proximate the goaf. The toe is positioned adjacent the first side of the deck, and includes a toe contact surface defining a toe surface area. The heel is positioned adjacent the second side of the deck, and includes a lug and a heel contact surface. The lug is configured to be coupled to an advancement mechanism. The heel contact surface defines a heel surface area greater than the toe surface area.

A mining machine includes a chassis, a boom, a cutting head, and a shield supported for movement relative to the chassis. The chassis includes a first end and a second end, and defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The boom includes a first end and a second end, and the boom is supported for movement relative to the chassis. The boom translates in a first direction and is pivotable relative to the chassis between first and second positions. The cutting head is coupled to the second end of the boom and is supported for rotation relative to the boom. The cutting head is rotatable about a cutting head axis. The shield is supported for movement relative to the chassis and positioned proximate the cutting head. In some embodiments, the shield is coupled to a sumping frame supported for movement relative to the chassis.

A mining machine includes a chassis, a boom, a cutting head, and a shield supported for movement relative to the chassis. The chassis includes a first end and a second end, and defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The boom includes a first end and a second end, and the boom is supported for movement relative to the chassis. The boom translates in a first direction and is pivotable relative to the chassis between first and second positions. The cutting head is coupled to the second end of the boom and is supported for rotation relative to the boom. The cutting head is rotatable about a cutting head axis. The shield is supported for movement relative to the chassis and positioned proximate the cutting head. In some embodiments, the shield is coupled to a sumping frame supported for movement relative to the chassis.