Wirtgen has released the RX 4500, a large cold milling machine featuring a new intelligent engine management system designed to optimize fuel efficiency. Traditional milling machines often run the engine at full rated speed regardless of the actual load on the drum, leading to wasted fuel. The RX 4500's new system utilizes sensors in the milling drum housing to monitor the cutting depth and material resistance in real-time.
When the machine is milling at shallow depths or in soft asphalt, the system detects the partial load and automatically lowers the engine RPM to the most efficient torque range. The machine's hydraulic pumps adjust their displacement to maintain the required rotor speed without over-revving the engine. Additionally, the RX 4500 features a "load limitation" function that prevents the rotor from stalling. If the sensors detect an imminent overload-such as hitting a manhole cover or dense concrete-the system instantaneously reverses the drum rotation and raises the drum by a few millimeters to clear the obstruction, then re-engages. This prevents expensive damage to the cutting tools and the drum drive.
