Wirtgen has released its new "Milling@Zero" automation package for the large W 210 series cold milling machines. Road rehabilitation is a high-stress process where the machine's weight, the hardness of the pavement, and the depth of the cut constantly interact, often leading to machine "hop" (vibration) or stalling. The Milling@Zero system is a holistic engineering solution that links the milling drum, the traction drive, and the water spray system.
The centerpiece is the "Cut-Opt" controller. It uses torque sensors on the drum drive motor to measure the resistance of the asphalt. If the torque spikes due to a hard aggregate patch, the system instantly reduces the machine's travel speed (traction) to maintain the optimal engine load, preventing the engine from bogging down. Conversely, if the torque drops, it speeds up the machine. This closed-loop control happens in milliseconds, maintaining a "sweet spot" of maximum cutting efficiency.
Furthermore, the system features an "Auto-Level" logic. When milling near manhole covers or utility frames, the machine traditionally had to stop, and the operator had to manually raise the drum to avoid damaging the steel casting. Milling@Zero uses ground-penetrating radar (GPR) sensors mounted on the front of the drum housing to detect metallic objects below the surface. The system automatically and smoothly raises the drum by a few centimeters as it passes over the detected object, then lowers it back to the set depth immediately after. This automation protects the expensive cutting tools and the road infrastructure, eliminating the need for the operator to constantly watch for hidden hazards.
