For the existing roadheader, the transmission system of the cutting unit cannot regulate speed and the cutting motor may break down because of the impact vibration. In this study, the power reflux hydraulic transmission system, which is a new continuous variable transmission system, is put forward to ameliorate these problems. The basic characteristics such as the speed ratio, efficiency and torque ratio are analysed on the basis of expounding the basic structure and operational principle of the power reflux hydraulic transmission system. The dynamic model of the transmission system of the cutting unit is established. The pulse signal is used as the simulation of the loads, when the roadheader suddenly encounters the high strength rock. Then the torsional vibration characteristics of the existing roadheader and the roadheader that is equipped with the power reflux hydraulic transmission system are analysed. The contrastive simulation results show that the motor and transmission system vibration of the roadheader which is equipped with the power reflux hydraulic transmission system is markedly attenuated relative to the existing roadheader. So the power reflux hydraulic transmission system can protect the cutting unit's motor and the transmission system.