An automated surface covering removal machine having a handle, a housing, a lever member, a reciprocating cylinder and edge means for providing vertical or near vertical movement of the edge means relative to the surface covering to facilitate removal of the surface covering is disclosed. The surface covering may be shingles, carpeting, linoleum, or any other type of surface covering. The automated surface covering removal machine is lightweight and easy to use and does not exert a debilitating backwards force on the user. The reciprocating cylinder allows for a variable stroke height of the tooth bar allowing for more rapid removal of a surface covering.