Technology: Cold milling

Efficient milling and granulating of road pavements

Cold milling machines are used for the quick, highly efficient removal of asphalt and concrete pavements. In doing so, they create an even, true-to-profile base for the construction of new surface courses of uniform layer thickness. In addition, milling individual pavement layers enables the material to be reclaimed in a selective process and separated into the different mix types.

Become acquainted with the operating principle and technical components of the cold milling technology. Get to know the different types of milling machines, and learn more about our front and rear loading systems.


The components of modern small milling machines

Small milling machines provide a high degree of manoeuvrability and flexibility in application. They are equipped with wheel units and are used for working small areas and for high-precision milling in extremely restricted space conditions. The milling drum is mounted at the rear of the machine.

Precise, intuitive levelling with LEVEL PRO PLUS
Efficient multifunctional armrest
Perfection in visibility, comfort and ergonomic design
Effective steering features
Dynamic and quick manoeuvring
Quick pivoting of the right hand rear wheel
Superior cutting technology boosts performance
High loading capacity for maximum performance
High traction ensured by optimum weight distribution
Best-in-class productivity
The components of modern compact milling machines

Compact milling machines combine the advantages of the small and large milling machine classes and are extremely flexible in use. The low-weight, highly manoeuvrable front loaders are powerful machines which can be used in extremely restricted space conditions and cater to a wide range of applications. They are equipped with wheel or track units.

High precision, intuitive levelling with LEVEL PRO PLUS
Efficient multifunctional armrest
Unmatched visibility concept
Ergonomic design and comfort on the operator's platform
Quick pivoting of the right-hand rear wheel or track unit
Quick and precise manoeuvring
High milling performance on every job
High performance and flexibility in material loading
High engine power for tremendous productivity
High traction and optimized weight
The components of modern large milling machines

Offering high milling performance, large milling machines are particularly suitable for use in large-scale rehabilitation projects. The front loaders are equipped with hydraulically steerable, height-adjustable track units; the milling drum is mounted in the central part of the machine.

Intuitive MMI - Man-Machine-Interface
Versatile, high-precision LEVEL PRO ACTIVE levelling system
High reliability
Environmentally sustainable machine technology
Fully equipped operator's platform
Unmatched cutting technology
Innovative MILL ASSIST
Reduced diesel consumption
The key benefits of cold milling

Cold milling has gained acceptance worldwide, and it is unrivalled when it comes to economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. Based on our unparalleled experience and expertise in milling technology, we at WIRTGEN are continuously broadening the range of applications of our cold milling machines. As the leader in innovation, WIRTGEN can be relied on to always provide answers to challenging application requirements, frequently cooperating with customers to develop productive solutions in line with field requirements.

Versatile, efficient range of applications

Different types of milling drums – such as the ECO cutter or fine milling drum – enable a wide variety of milling operations in asphalt rehabilitation. In addition, cold milling machines can be equipped with special features making them suitable for operations in concrete or rock. Examples of use in rock operations include levelling foundations, lowering track beds or lowering tunnel floors. Other special modifications enable the machines to be used for milling the steep slopes of artificial lakes, canals or balancing reservoirs at slope angles of up to 35 degrees. Cold milling machines are frequently also used to cut slots and grooves or produce trenches in pipeline construction. In short: our machines offer a tremendous range of applications.

Milling operation in a building with low ceiling height and a floor of limited bearing capacity.

Removing surface deformations by means of fine milling.

Milling off a concrete surface on company premises.

Removing road markings.

Milling on the steep slope of a water reservoir.

Precise milling around road fixtures without the need for additional manual reworking.

Milling off the surface of a cinder football pitch.

Cold milling machines meeting specific market requirements

Each market is unique in that it has its own, very specific needs. To cater to these needs with customized products and solutions, WIRTGEN offers a comprehensive range of products: the portfolio of cold milling machines includes a multitude of models which fully meet the various market-specific requirements. And WIRTGEN’s high level of customer-driven engineering expertise guarantees innovations in line with market demands.

WIRTGEN realizes economically viable, cutting-edge solutions catering not only to road widths, maximum transport weights or maximum emission levels permissible under applicable law but also to regional climates and infrastructure.

In Japan, for example, road lanes frequently need to be milled off flush to kerb on both sides without the cold milling machine performing any turning manoeuvres. The W 200 Hi is the ideal choice for this job as it offers two zero-clearance sides. In addition, the W 200 Hi features state-of-the-art engine technology to comply with the stringent specifications of emission standard US Tier 4f applicable in Japan.

The W 200 Hi with hydraulically moveable milling drum is selling particularly well in Japan.

The 3.8-m wide milling drum unit caters to the large road widths typical for the USA.

Using laser or 3D control in the milling process complies with the high standards that are applicable in Western Europe.

The W 50 H and W 100 H have been redesigned from the ground up to cater to the requirements of countries across Asia.

Environmental friendly machine technology

WIRTGEN is very strongly committed to actively protecting both the environment and natural resources. Reclaimed asphalt pavement is a valuable recycling material that is fully reused in the production of asphalt mixes. Large milling machines featuring the Dual Engine Concept enable the second engine to be switched off in accordance with job requirements to save fuel and reduce exhaust emissions. Needless to say that our fuel-efficient diesel engines comply with current international exhaust emission standards. The innovative MILL ASSIST machine control system relieves the machine operator of a tremendous part of his workload while at the same time improving machine performance and minimizing diesel consumption, CO2 emissions, pick consumption and noise emissions.

The highly effective VCS Vacuum Cutting System developed for large milling machines reduces dust emissions and improves the air quality in the surroundings of the milling drum housing. Effective soundproofing and the anti-vibration mounted engine ensure low noise and vibration levels.

The latest generation of WIRTGEN cold milling machines are equipped with state-of-the-art engine technology for extremely low environmental emissions. Easy to recognise and assign thanks to the type designation “i” (intelligent emission control).

The new generation of cold milling machines feature modern technology to help to reduce noise emissions.

Mechanical vibrations arise during the milling process. One of WIRTGEN's top priorities when designing milling machines are damping components.

History of WIRTGEN cold milling machines

From milling contractor to world market leader

View history of WIRTGEN cold milling machines
The WIRTGEN Cold Milling Manual

Technology and application

View hands-on guide

Our cold milling machines in action worldwide

The newest model of the Wirtgen F-Series large milling machines is now available

W 220 XFi cold milling machine offers a broader performance range

The latest model of the Wirtgen F-Series rounds off the top end of the compact milling machine class with a milling width of 1.80 metres.

New F-Series compact milling machine

Wirtgen will be presenting a cross-section of its premium cold milling, recycling, soil stabilising and concrete paving products on the joint booth shared by Wirtgen Group and John Deere.

WIRTGEN at CONEXPO

The new Wirtgen compact milling machines can now be fitted with a comfort cabin. This makes them the world’s first cold milling machines in this machine class to be offered with a cabin.

A Global Innovation in this Machine Class

The W 100 Fi spearheads the new machine generation at Bauma 2022

F-series compact milling machines

With the European market launch of the W 100 Fi, W 120 Fi and W 130 Fi, the cold milling machine specialist Wirtgen now presents a trio of high performance, next generation one-metre class compact milling machines.

Compact milling machines from Wirtgen

With Mill Assist, milling operations are carried out particularly cost-effectively. In the process, the Wirtgen Performance Tracker is responsible for the job’s precise documentation.

Wirtgen W 200 Fi

Depending on the application, Wirtgen’s PCD milling tools offer a significantly longer service life as well as greater machine productivity and availability.

Wirtgen PCD Millling Tools

At the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, two W 210 Fi from Wirtgen efficiently put their 756 hp to the pavement – a perfect example of cost-effective milling.

F Series in Pole Position in North America