A mechanical cutting machine equipped with a rotating jib and cutting chain, positioned to slice into the upper section of a rock face or coal seam. By creating a gap at the roof level, it provides a free face for the material to expand into when blasted. This method helps protect a weak roof from blast damage by physically separating the explosive shock from the overlying strata.
Heard on the job
Bring the overcutter into the heading so we can slot the top before drilling the blast holes.