FAM side scrapers consist of a scraper boom that can be raised and lowered, a counterweighted base frame, and a rail-mounted undercarriage. The scraper boom is articulately joint to a base frame and is held, lifted or lowered by a rope winch.

The position and angle of the scraper boom to the stockpile is regulated by a winch using ropes pulled through sheaves mounted on a pylon. The rail-mounted undercarriage is located only on one side of the stockpile. The stability of the device against tipping is guaranteed by an appropriately dimensioned counterweight. The recovered bulk material is transferred onto a belt conveyor running parallel to the stockpile.