Modular cutting head

A cutting head for hard rock mining applications, comprising:

• a base member having a rotational axis and including a center bore extending along the rotational axis, wherein the base member includes a plurality of steps extending around the rotational axis, each of the plurality of steps providing a tool support receiving portion;
• a drive bushing disposed within the center bore and configured to transmit torque from a driving device to the base member;
• a plurality of annular tool supports, each of the plurality of annular tool supports being concentrically disposed about the rotational axis in a releasable manner, wherein each of the plurality of annular tool supports is concentrically disposed about the rotational axis at an associated tool support receiving portion in the releasable manner;
• and
• a plurality of cutting bit carriers attached to each of the plurality of annular tool supports, each of the plurality of cutting bit carriers being configured to rotatably support a cutting bit.