Methods and systems for automatically operating a continuous mining machine. One method includes accessing at least one coordinate of a cutting face stored in a computer-readable medium, automatically operating a first actuator to position a platform a predetermined clearance distance from the at least one coordinate, the platform supporting a cutterhead, and automatically operating a second actuator to position an arm at a tramming position after positioning the platform the predetermined clearance distance from the at least one coordinate, the arm coupled to the platform and including the cutterhead.