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Virtual Model of a Rotary Excavator
This larger machine's only job is to dig through the earth. The wheel in the front of the machine acts similarly to a Ferris Wheel. There are multiple baskets connected to the metal wheel. These baskets have peaks at the edges to dig through the soil. As the wheel spins, each of the baskets scoop up an amount of soil it passes by.
Longwall Cutters:
This is used to break up the coal for longwall mining. Works similarly to a power saw. The teeth rotate in different directions. These teeth aren't razor sharp, yet they do break the coal with the force propelling them.
Power Shovel:
Used for digging and loading soil and rock or rock fragments, this machine has a bucket shaped basket to do its job.
These are the tools that are used in the previously listed mining methods.
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