Automatic profiling control using a boom-type roadheader requires an understanding of horizontal and vertical swing angles of the cutting boom. In this study the vertical angle of the cutting boom is discussed. First, a vertical swing detection model for the cutting boom is established. Then, a kinematic analysis of the vertical swing mechanism is made and formulae describing the geometrical relationship between the vertical swing of the cutting boom and the telescopic length of vertical hydraulic lift cylinders and vertical swing angle of the boom are presented. Various factors such as complexity of the calculation model, the difficulty of installing the sensor and the cost are compared for two methods. Finally, directly measuring the vertical swing angle of the cutting boom with a tilt sensor is decided to be the more simple and effective method. The detection sensitivity and the vertical cutting error of a tilt sensor are studied. Vibration tests on an EBZ160 roadheader were performed in a coal mine. The characteristic vibration frequencies are analyzed. A design of a vibration isolation mount for the tilt sensor is presented. It makes the detection device work more reliably under conditions where vibration is present and lays a foundation for the implementation of an automatic roadhead cutter. A tilt sensor is installed on an EBZ160 and an EBZ200, and experiments have been done in a coal mine. The results show that the experimental result is favorable and achieves the goal of automatic control of the vertical swing of the cutting boom.