Cold planers also known as milling machines, can save a great deal of time and money on common asphalt repairs, road resurfacing, and much more. Deciding the perfect cold planer can make or break your construction project, So, it is decision that demands precision and foresight.
Cold planers are used for asphalt resurfacing, the reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) can be recycled by combining it with new aggregate and asphalt cement (binder) or a recycling agent. These machines often have adjustable depth control gauges that allow you to control your milling depth. It removes surface problems and repave the milled surface with an asphalt overlay, creating a smooth asphalt surface.
1. Capacity
The capacity of the asphalt cold planer should be the first thing to investigate. Dependent on the type of asphalt milling you want to achieve, you need to find the right tool for the job. The capacity of a cold planer is how much material it can remove based on several factors. Firstly, check the horsepower rating based on the task to be carried out. You should also check parameters like the operating mass, actual hydraulic flow, milling width, and milling depth. These features can determine the real capacity of the machine.
2. Drum Characteristics
The milling drum is a crucial part of a cold planing machine, as it determines the machine’s milling surface, width, and depth capabilities. The width of the rotor or cutting drum can differ from 12 inches (304 millimetres) wide in a smaller model from CMI up to 13 feet (3.96 meters). Milling machines equipped with larger drums can efficiently perform micro-milling, covering wider surfaces and achieving greater depth in a single pass, thereby enhancing overall productivity. Although as expected, these machines can often be less manoeuvrable in compact spaces or uneven surfaces.
When deciding on a milling machine, confirm the milling drum size line up with your project’s needs. Smaller drums, like those found on the Wirtgen W 100 CFi, are perfect for jobs with space restrictions, whilst the bigger drums are best for projects with substantial milling needs.
3. Cutting Depth
The milling process, along with its depth and width requirements, plays a crucial role in selecting the appropriate machine, as different types of milling demand specific capabilities. Larger milling machines are able to remove up to 14 inches (36 centimetres) of asphalt per pass, whereas smaller planers, at their minimum depth are often required to grind off just enough to roughen the surface of the road or remove painted markings. Deeper cuts reduce the number of passes required to finish job but can usually take more tractive power and fuel. Be sure that the machine you select can achieve the desired milling process, operation, cutting depth, and width based on your project’s needs. For instance, certain milling machines, like the Wirtgen W 210 Fi, provide fine milling capabilities and optimize the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement, with a milling depth of up to 330 mm deep and 2,200 mm wide.
4. Engine
These machines get their power from one or two engines depending on their size and capacity. You should check if the motor(s)’ aftertreatment system requires periodic maintenance such as DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) refilling and/or DPF (diesel particulate filter) cleaning.
5. Tracks vs. Wheels
Cold planers with wheels are typically small to medium machines, whereas tracked models tend to be more on the medium to larger scale. Small three- or four-wheeled planers are manoeuvrable enough to mill asphalt around manhole and utility covers, as well as to follow curbs as the road curves. Tires for cold planing machines are typically highly durable and significantly more cost-effective to replace and maintain compared to tracks. What to look out for in a wheeled planer is a traction control system. Tracks have superior tractive force for forward motion, along with greater pavement skid resistance. They can offer a smoother operation than wheels and better stability on slopes. Tracks can distribute the pressure of medium to large cold planers on the ground, helping to prevent ruts on the surface. Certain machines’ tracks can rotate sideways to move into the adjacent lane or half-lane, but tracked planers normally can’t match the flexibility of wheeled models. The tracks and undercarriage are also far more expensive to replace.
When selecting asphalt cold planers, there are several key features to consider. One of the most important is the type of drum the model uses. While there are various options available, hydraulic milling drums are highly recommended. They are highly efficient and easy to work with. The kind of drive is also an essential tech feature to look out for. For this case, front-wheel drive is the most recommended for a number of factors.
Omnia Machinery is an industry expert in used construction equipment and a trusted machinery trader. We stock a wide variety of quality used construction equipment to suit many different jobs such as cranes, road equipment, quarry, earthmoving, piling, drilling and underground mining. We provide our customers with all information and pictures with their quotation before any sale is agreed upon. From inspections to shipping, we are here to support you through every step of the transaction and keep you informed throughout the whole process enabling you to purchase in confidence. Contact us today with your machinery requirements.