Wirtgen’s class of small milling machines integrates the uniform operating concept. Now an operator can, for instance, store up to three standard milling depths for each side using the ergonomic 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 centered 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 “favorites” buttons integrated in the armrest can be programmed with any of 20 different functions. The operator also can 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 leveling 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 leveling process.
Automated height adjustment of the crawler units also supports the leveling 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 also can be adjusted in steps of 0.04 in. (1 mm) or 0.2 in. (5 mm) increments using a new millimeter 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 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 also is 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 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. (35 cm) 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 maneuverability, according to the manufacturer.
For more information, visit www.wirtgen-group.com/america.
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