Wirtgen small Milling Machines prove a big hit at Conexpo 2017
The new small milling machine models from Wirtgen are equipped with the latest Wirtgen control technology and a uniform operating concept, including the multifunctional armrest so popular among machine operators.
A generation ahead thanks to the latest technologies
Wirtgen offers the most comprehensive line of cold milling machines in the industry, including a wide variety of small mills. The range of applications in this class of small machines also is very wide, including partial road repairs, cutting slots and milling tie-ins, renovation of industrial floors, removal of road markings and cutting of rumble strips.
Wirtgen’s unsurpassed know-how and core competence in cutting, levelling and control technologies comprise the solid technological foundation underpinning Wirtgen in its push to innovation and development of new solutions. And this pays off in the new generation of small milling machines, which provides next-generation design in control technology and user-friendliness.
Uniform operating concept: Spotlight on the multifunctional armrest
The new generation of Wirtgen small milling machines – with the W 35 Ri as the smallest member, the 20-in. (50-cm) W 50 Ri and W 60 Ri, and the 3 ft., 3 in. (1.0 m) W 100 Ri and W 120 Ri machines – have a uniform operating concept cantered on the ergonomically designed multifunctional armrest. With it, the operator can call up all the important information he needs to see on the color display, including the acquisition and visualization of all job data. Four “favourites” buttons integrated in the armrest can be programmed with any of 20 different functions. The operator can also intuitively control the height of the machine from the multifunctional armrest.
Innovative control concept: Optimum workflows
A variety of additional automated functions result in significantly faster workflows. For example, the LEVEL PRO PLUS levelling feature has been fully integrated into the machine control system. Fewer interfaces mean shorter signal paths in the controller systems, faster reactions between them, and an efficient and precise levelling process.
Automated height adjustment of crawler units
Automated height adjustment of the crawler units also supports the levelling and milling process. For example, the machine operator can activate the automatic lowering function to precisely position the machine in a milled cut. When the milling drum assembly reaches the surface which is to be milled, the lowering speed is reduced, and the milling drum slowly penetrates the material down to the set depth.
The height of the crawler units can also be adjusted in steps of 0.04 in. (1 mm) or 0.2 in. (5 mm) increments using a new millimetre height function to precisely set the milling depth. The most frequently used height settings are automatically stored in three height-adjustment memories, and called up quickly at any time at the press of a button.
Automated milling functions
Automated milling functions promote maximum efficiency for the milling process. For instance, a load limiting controller integrated in the machine control system keeps the machine within an optimum performance range at all times. An anti-stall system prevents the engine from shutting off in the event of sudden overloads by automatically releasing the clutch in a fraction of a second. And the amount of water required to cool the cutting tools and control dust is also regulated automatically as a function of the engine load, in order to enable long productive periods while reducing water consumption.
New generation of small milling machines boasts practical solutions
Wirtgen also sets standards with its ingenious solutions for milling and material transfer for small mills. One example is the hydraulic function for collapsing the discharge conveyor on the W 50 Ri, which can measure as much as 18 ft., 4 in. (5.60 m) long and 14 in. (350 mm) wide. This function helps to quickly adapt the conveyor for use on confined job sites or prepare it for transport. Assembly and disassembly of the discharge conveyor is greatly facilitated by the compact quick-change coupling for the hydraulic connections.
For driving and steering, Wirtgen’s small milling machines have a very generous steering angle to both sides, resulting in extremely small turning radii that make working on confined job sites much easier. The automatic tracking function of the right rear wheel on the W 50 Ri when folded in additionally increases manoeuvrability.
