Wirtgen debuts its line of next-generation one-metre class compact milling machines in North America, showcasing the W 120 Fi model at World of Asphalt in Nashville.
The Wirtgen Group will is showcasing 11 exhibits that represent its solutions for the entire road construction process at World of Asphalt in Nashville.
The highlight, the W 120 Fi, celebrates its premiere at the event as a representative of the company’s new generation of compact milling machines. The line consists of three models—the W 100 Fi, W 120 Fi and W 130 Fi.
Wirtgen has integrated the technologies of its F-series large milling machines into this new generation of compact milling machines.
The three models feature working widths of 1.0 m, 1.2 m and 1.3 m. All three are powered by John Deere diesel engine engines, with a rated output of 360 hp/265 kW, that are compliant with US Tier 4 Final exhaust gas emission standards.
In 2017, John Deere completed its acquisition of The Wirtgen Group. Now, according to Wirtgen, the company is reaping the benefits of being able to work closely with John Deere, precisely tuning the torque characteristics of the engine to meet the specific needs of the cold milling process.
As a result, the company claims that machines use significantly less fuel, even when delivering highest productivity and milling to a maximum depth of 330 mm.
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Also onboard are the digital assistance systems Mill Assist machine control, Wirtgen Performance Tracker (WPT) and the Level Pro Active levelling system.
According to the company, customers can expect the benefits of the same high performance, efficiency and clear documentation offered in its larger milling machines in the compact machine class.
Mill Assist for more efficient milling
In automatic mode, Mill Assist selects the operating strategy with the most favourable balance between milling performance and operating costs. This increases milling performance and simultaneously reduces fuel, water and pick consumption and CO2 emissions.
Also, the milling machine operator can pre-select one of three alternative operating strategies: “ECO,” “Performance-optimised” or “Milling pattern quality.”
This makes it possible, for example, to pre-define the required milling pattern quality on a scale from 1 (coarse) to 10 (very fine).
Mill Assist also automatically controls the drive system. In conjunction with the diesel engine, a broad spectrum of applications can be realised by reducing or increasing the milling drum speed.
The low speed range enables significant reductions in fuel consumption and minimises pick wear.
In the upper speed range, a high-quality milling pattern can be achieved, even in the case of higher area performance rates.
Documenting performance and efficiency with WPT
Wirtgen Performance Tracker automatically determines area performance rates, milling volumes and the fuel and water consumption of the machine.
So, the milling machine operator can view all important performance and consumption data in the operator’s cabin in real time and send an automatically generated report to the machine owner by email immediately after completion of the milling job.
WPT is an optional feature that can also be retrofitted to already operational compact milling machines.
A trio suitable for many scenarios
Compact dimensions and optimized machine weight make this trio of machines suited for a multitude of construction site scenarios.
In particular, they are suitable for milling work where space is limited, for example, in city centres or on parking lots.
Also, the ability to quickly change the FCS milling drums with different pick spacings and working widths allows the machines to be rapidly reconfigured on-site to adapt to changing applications.
An easily accessible, ergonomic cabin
Wirtgen developed a new cabin and claims that it can be characterised by comfort, ergonomic control elements and a modern design.
The slim waist of the machines and their five cameras provide an overview of all relevant working areas.
Also, a new 5-inch control screen, set in the armrest, displays all machine-relevant information.
Another solution engineered by Wirtgen is the convenient access point at the rear of the machines that automatically adjusts to the machine height, offering access to the operator’s cabin in all working scenarios.
