Wirtgen's New Class of Compact Milling Machines

Wirtgen has launched a brand-new Compact Class, combing the advantages of its small milling machines – maneuverability, one-man operation and flexibility – with the front-loader principle and productivity of its large milling machines. 

No less than 4 models are available to customers in the Compact Class, with standard working widths between 3 ft., 3 in. (1.0 m) and 4 ft., 11 in. (1.5 m) and depths up to 13 in. (330 mm). Combined with the Flexible Cutter System (FCS), working widths from 3 in. (8 cm) to 4 ft., 11 in. (1.5 m) are possible.

The Compact Line includes the W 100 CFi, W 120 CFi, W 130 CFi and W 150 CFi, and offers high output and cost-efficiency. Fields of application range from classic small milling machine operations, such as partial road repairs, all the way to the removal of entire roadways, a job usually reserved for larger mills.

By combining the advantages of the small and large machine classes, implementing a uniform operating concept and incorporating pioneering control technologies, Wirtgen's Compact Class represents the next step in the development of cold milling.

Like the new generation of small milling machines, Wirtgen also has equipped its Compact Class with added automated functions. The result is simple machine operation, and fast and precise milling and leveling functions. The side plate now has an active floating position, meaning it is lifted at specific intervals to keep it from sinking into the surface when the machine is at work on loose material, such as gravel.

The scraper on the rear rotor plate also has new features, such as a sensor that prevents it from catching on any edges; the scraper is raised automatically in the process. An ultrasonic sensor determines the distance between the scraper and the milled material during partial transfer, in order to regulate how wide the scraper ideally should be opened. In this way, the material is optimally deposited behind the milling drum unit, increasing output and simultaneously reducing wear on the unit, the drum itself and the cutting tools.

The modern control technology in Wirtgen's compact milling machines also displays its advantages in terms of steering. In the 3 ft., 3 in. (1 m) milling machine W 100 CFi, for instance, the right rear support wheel can be folded in automatically, without lowering the milling drum or manually loosening a bolt.

In addition to the “basic position,” the right rear crawler track also has the new positions of “outside” and “folded in.” In the “outside” position, the crawler track is located within the cutting diameter of the drum, enabling the machine to easily be positioned along the right-hand milled cut.

Optimally coordinated processes save time and money, and that applies most of all to load-out of milled material. Wirtgen has practical solutions there as well; the conveyor's extremely wide slewing angle of 60° in each direction makes it possible to transfer material even on difficult job sites, such as traffic circles or intersections.

For high-precision material transfer, the machine operator can move the conveyor at two different speeds. And thanks to the most advanced control technology, the conveyor speed is held constant even if engine speed fluctuates.

Head of the class: The W 150 CFi

With 400 HP (405 PS), the W 150 CFi is the most powerful cold milling machine in the compact class. This front-loader is the ideal machine for large construction sites with confined space, such as in downtown areas. In these places, in particular, its advanced visibility concept, when used with the live video camera system, provide critical assistance to the operator when he or she is maneuvering the machine.

For maximum traction of the crawler tracks, Wirtgen has adopted the central cutting drum design from its large milling machines. To efficiently transfer the tremendous power of the W 150 CFi to the road, this model also has an Intelligent Speed Control (ISC) traction control system, which makes sure on demanding milling jobs that all four crawler tracks run at constant speed and high traction to achieve maximum milling performance.

With an operating weight of 45,856 lbs. (20.8 mt), the W 150 CFi can be transported without a special heavy transport permit in most cases, another major advantage for contractors seeking productivity and profitability in milling operations.