A layout consisting of six or more plows, 220 lb (100 kg) each, 20 yd (18.3 m) apart on one rope or chain, feeding onto an armored conveyor; the load on the conveyor is well distributed. A driving unit is arranged at both ends of the face and operated alternately to impart a to-and-fro movement to the plows. The minimum workable seam thickness is 20 in (50.8 cm) at gradients from 0 degrees to 20 degrees ; maximum length of face is about 190 yd (174 m).