Abstract: In order to solve the problems of lacking design evidence,low design quality and poor cutting performance of a shearer spiral drum because of the difficulty in its cutting load calculation,a simulation system of a shearer drum cut- ting loads has been developed using Matlab / GUI software based on a load determination method in this study. Matlab /GUI interface is adapted and Matlab software is applied as a platform in the system. The cutting loads on the drum when different objects are cut with different kinematic parameters are simulated and determined by entering the char- acteristic parameters of each drum and shearer,and the characteristic parameters of coal and rock on a coal face,then each load graphics,data and statistics are visually displayed. By separating data and procedures,the system is easy to operate,and has a good adaptability. It can quickly and effectively obtain the cutting loads of a spiral drum. Taken a domestic thin seam shearer as an example,the drum cutting loads are simulated and analyzed,the front and back drum loads,load torque curves and statistical results are obtained,the magnitudes of the loads,the relationship and laws are found,which provides a basis for improving the design of drum,evaluating and improving shearer cutting performance.