Mining machine with driven disc cutters

A mining machine for engaging a mine wall, the mining machine comprising:

• a frame;
• an arm including a first end and a second end, the first end pivotally coupled to the frame such that the arm pivots in a first direction about a pivot pin;
• an actuator including a first end coupled to the arm, the actuator pivoting the arm in the first direction;
• a first disc cutter coupled to the second end of the arm and rotatable about a first axis, the first disc cutter configured to engage the mine wall to cut a first depth in the mine wall;
• and
• a second disc cutter coupled to the second end of the arm and rotatable about a second axis positioned at an angle with respect to the first axis, the second disc cutter spaced apart from the first disc cutter such that the second disc cutter trails the first disc cutter when the arm is pivoted in the first direction, the second disc cutter configured to engage the mine wall to cut a second depth in the mine wall that is substantially equal to the first depth.

A method of mining material from a mine wall, the method comprising:

• providing a mining machine including an arm having a first end pivotable about a pivot axis and a second end including a first disc cutter and a second disc cutter for engaging the mine wall, the first disc cutter rotatable about a first axis and the second disc cutter rotatable about a second axis that is angled with respect to the first axis, the second disc cutter spaced apart from the first disc cutter;
• moving the arm a first distance toward the mine wall;
• pivoting the arm in a first direction about the axis, the second disc cutter trailing the first disc cutter when the arm is pivoted in the first direction such that the first disc cutter engages the mine wall before the second disc cutter engages the mine wall;
• and
• moving the arm a second distance toward the mine wall.