Wirtgen has unveiled the "LEVEL PRO 2," a second-generation machine control system fully integrated into the milling drum housing of its large cold milling machines. In road rehabilitation, achieving the correct milling depth and cross-slope is essential for water drainage and pavement quality. Previous systems relied on external sensors that were prone to damage from flying debris.
The LEVEL PRO 2 uses a combination of ultrasonic sensors and "slope sensors" mounted directly on the rear frame of the machine. The ultrasonic sensors scan the road surface ahead of the drum, while the slope sensors monitor the transverse inclination of the machine. The system's central processing unit calculates the optimal milling depth in real-time. For example, if the existing road has a 2% cross-slope but the design requires a 3% slope, the system automatically adjusts the left and right lift cylinders differentially to cut the correct angle.
A key engineering advancement is the "Asphalt Protection Logic." When the machine approaches a manhole cover, the sensors detect the hard object 2 meters ahead. The system automatically raises the milling drum by 2 cm to skim over the cover, preventing damage to the drum's cutting tools. Once the cover passes, the drum is lowered back to the target depth. This automation allows the operator to focus on steering and machine speed, rather than constantly watching depth gauges, resulting in a smoother road profile and significantly higher productivity.
