Abstract: In order to study the interaction mechanism between the cutting drum of the coal shearer and the surrounding rock, based on a MG500/1180-WD mode C oal shearer as the study object, the EDEM discrete element simulation software was applied to establish a 3D simulation model. In a comprehensive consideration of th e coal and rock lump size and roof pressure affected to the cutting performances of the coal shearer, a study was conducted on the dynamic coal and rock cutting proce ss. A single factor experiment method was applied to study the different installation angle of the cutting picks affected to the coal loading rate of the coal shearer, the cu tting resistance, the specific energy consumption of cutting and other factors. The results showed that with the installation angle of the cutting pick increased, the coal I oading rate of the coal shearer would be in a tendency with a increasing first and then a decreasing and the cutting resistance of the cutting drum and the specific ener gy consumption of the cutting would be in a tendency with a decreasing first and then increasing. In a comprehensive consideration, when the installation angle was 4 5°，the cutting rate of the coal shearer would be the highest. The study results could provide the improved references to the high efficient cutting of the coal shearer.