A rapid plow for use on longwall faces. It is suitable for seams from 2 to 8 ft (0.6 to 3.9 m) thick, with reasonably good roof and floor. The plow travels along the face at a speed of 75 ft/min (22.9 m/min) with a cutting depth from 1-1/2 to 3 in (3.8 to 7.6 cm); the broken coal is loaded by the plow-shaped body onto an armored conveyor. The machine can be operated independently of the face conveyor.