IC 7390 Description of the Eickhoff-Schriimlader Longwall Coal-Cutting and Loading Machine

This information circular. deais primarily with an engineering descrip- tion of a type of longwall cutting and loading machine developed by Eick- hoff Maschinenfabrik, Bochum, Germany..: This machine is supposed to have been developed and tested during the latter part of 1941 and early 1942. The only source of information is con- tained in certain literature and engineering data, with drawings which were acquired by the Allied Military Authorities when Germany was occupied; and the information will have to be limited because the writer has not seen the machine in the factory or in operation. However, the information may be of interest to the coal-mining industry in this country, and for this reason our Government has decided to publish the data procured so far. The Eickhoff cutting and loading machine is particularly suitable for the longwall mining system. It can only be used under that type of mining system and is not suitable for the more common type known in this country as room-and-pillar work. The material for the description of the machine and its operation was compiled and translated from German drawings and operating instructions. These detailed drawings and instructions are on file with the Bureau of Mines and are available for inspection by any responsible person interested in the details of the construction of the machine.