These supports are part of the longwall system and support the mine working mine roofs at the crossing of the face and the gateway – the most sensitive point of the longwall mining system, and the face ends.
They enable the mechanisation of the following works:
gateway roof support maintaining a constant support resistance
road heading building in the crossing area just before the face front to the outside of workings
moving the conveyor drive as face progresses
automatic advancing of roof supports
adjustment of the canopy to fit the variable shape of the roof in the crossing area