Wirtgen's brand-new class of compact milling machines all on show at bauma 2016

No less than eight models are available to customers in the compact class, with standard working widths between 1.0 and 1.5 m and depths up to 330 mm. Combined with the Flexible Cutter System, working widths from 8 cm to 1.5 m even are possible. The entire line of machines – including the W 100 CF/W 100 CFi, W 120 CF/W 120 CFi, W 130 CF/W 130 CFi and W 150 CF/W 150 CFi – offers high output and cost-efficiency. Fields of application range from classical small milling machine operations, such as partial road repairs, all the way to the removal of entire roadways, a job usually reserved for the large milling machines. In other words, Wirtgen's compact milling machines are extremely flexible. What's more, by combining the advantages of the small and large machine classes, implementing a uniform operating concept and in particular incorporating pioneering control technologies, Wirtgen's compact class is now one thing above all: The next step in the development of cold milling.

Like the new generation of small milling machines, Wirtgen also equipped its compact class with numerous added and automated functions, integrated in both the uniform operating concept and various control functions. The result: Simple machine operation, fast and precise milling and leveling processes.

The side plate, for example, 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 ground 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 1-meter 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 “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.

In addition to the steering wheel, the operator also has access to an extremely sensitive, fingertip steering function in the multifunctional armrest.

Optimally coordinated processes save time and money, and that applies not least to transferring the milled material. Wirtgen has practical solutions here 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.

With 283 kW, 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, the advanced visibility concept, combined with the camera systems, provide critical assistance to the operator when he 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 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 20.8 t, the W 150 CFi can be transported without a special heavy transport permit in most cases, and that is another major advantage for completing milling jobs flexibly and quickly.