Road milling and recycling play important roles in road building, with new models now coming to market - Mike Woof writes. The market for road milling machinery has become very competitive in recent times. In past years this sector of the construction machinery business was dominated by German firm Wirtgen, however there are now more companies active in the field and the leading companies offer a wider array of models than before. Wirtgen retains its market leadership and still offers the most comprehensive
The new BM2000/75 from BOMAG is said to be the most powerful mill in its size class
Road milling and recycling play important roles in road building, with new models now coming to market - Mike Woof writes
The market for road milling machinery has become very competitive in recent times. In past years this sector of the construction machinery business was dominated by German firm2395 Wirtgen, however there are now more companies active in the field and the leading companies offer a wider array of models than before. Wirtgen retains its market leadership and still offers the most comprehensive range of models overall however.
One of the key competitors in the field is now172 BOMAG. The company took over responsibility for the 2779 Fayat Group’s milling machines a few years ago from sister company 273 Marini. And with these units now being developed alongside the other road machines, there has been a corresponding growth in BOMAG brand’s market share in the segment.
The company has had some success with its compact mills for the 0.5m class but is now offering a much wider array and has new models now coming to market. The company is broadening its offering in the sector with new models for the compact, medium and large milling machine segments.
In the compact class BOMAG is looking to build on its sales of earlier models with the launch of the new BM500/15 milling machine. This is a wheeled machine aimed at the 500mm class and is powered by a 112kW diesel that meets the latest emissions requirements for Europe.
The firm says that it has placed an emphasis on manoeuvrability during development, as the BM500/15 is intended for use in sites where space for working may be limited. A novel feature for its class is that the BM500/15 has an operator’s seat, while its rivals require the operator to work in a standing position. Versatility is crucial in this market segment so the machine has also been designed so that the operator can switch quickly between the optional short and standard long conveyor. Another feature is the extended wear life of the cutter drums.
Moving up the range, the firm has widened its offering in the 1m milling class, with the introduction of the BM 1000/35, BM 1200/35 and the BM 1300/35 planers. According to BOMAG, these units share a similar design concept to large planers, with a centrally mounted milling drum assembly. The company claims that the centrally mounted milling drum delivers high performance as well as low vibration levels, while the operator position allows a good view of the working area. Performance for these units is said to be good and with its 261kW diesel, the BM1000/35 is said to be the most powerful machine in its size class, while also offering high output and low fuel consumption. As with the firm’s other mills, these machines can be fitted with the BOMAG tool holder system, which is said to be maintenance-free and does not have to be tightened after use.
Meanwhile BOMAG has focused on high performance for its top-of-the-range BM2000/75 and BM2200/75 models which offer cutting widths of 2m and 2.2m respectively, as well as maximum cutting depths of 350mm. These two new models come in addition to the BM2000/60, which remains in the range. The firm claims that the 567kW diesels that drive these new machines make them the most powerful in their class, a key feature for productivity. Despite the high engine power however, the BM2000/75 and BM2200/75 are also said to be economical on fuel. The company also claims that its improved milling tool system will last longer than rival designs, while also cutting downtime and boosting milling efficiency.
Other new features include ease of servicing and use while a novel addition is a compact auxiliary diesel for tasks such as refilling water tanks, tool replacement and machine cleaning. In addition, the machine has an integrated service platform that is said to make daily machine checks easier while also providing better maintenance access. The machine also has a vibration-insulated seated operating platform for greater working comfort.
Wirtgen is however keen to retain its position in the milling equipment market and continues to develop its range of cold milling machines. Two key additions in the small-mid range are the W 120 Ri and the W 150 CFi models. The W 120 Ri is a compact planer offering a milling width of 1.2m, while it is said to be the first wheeled mill featuring rear-loading. The compact W 120 Ri features the same operating concept as the existing 500mm class W 35 Ri, W 50 Ri and W 60 Ri machines already available from Wirtgen. Key control features include the multifunctional armrest and automatic and driver assistant functions. The firm’s sophisticated LEVEL PRO PLUS levelling system is integrated into the machine control package to ensure a high-quality milling finish. The machine has a large conveyor for this class and can load reclaimed asphalt pavement quickly and continuously, while it also offers high manoeuvrability and mobility on its wheeled chassis.
Moving up a size class, the front loader W 150 CFi also features a low emission Stage IV/Tier 4 Final engine with milling widths of 1.5m and depths of 330mm. The W 150 CFi is the largest planer in Wirtgen’s compact class and is said to suit use on large job sites where space is limited, such as in urban areas. The planer has a sophisticated visibility system, which is said to help operation and also comes equipped with Wirtgen’s sophisticated LEVEL PRO PLUS system to optimise performance. With an operating weight of 20.1tonnes, the W 150 CFi can also be transported without requiring a special permit. As with the new W 120 Ri, the W 150 CFi is said to offer high mobility for faster transport between jobsites.
The market for road milling machinery has become very competitive in recent times. In past years this sector of the construction machinery business was dominated by German firm
One of the key competitors in the field is now
The company has had some success with its compact mills for the 0.5m class but is now offering a much wider array and has new models now coming to market. The company is broadening its offering in the sector with new models for the compact, medium and large milling machine segments.
In the compact class BOMAG is looking to build on its sales of earlier models with the launch of the new BM500/15 milling machine. This is a wheeled machine aimed at the 500mm class and is powered by a 112kW diesel that meets the latest emissions requirements for Europe.
The firm says that it has placed an emphasis on manoeuvrability during development, as the BM500/15 is intended for use in sites where space for working may be limited. A novel feature for its class is that the BM500/15 has an operator’s seat, while its rivals require the operator to work in a standing position. Versatility is crucial in this market segment so the machine has also been designed so that the operator can switch quickly between the optional short and standard long conveyor. Another feature is the extended wear life of the cutter drums.
Moving up the range, the firm has widened its offering in the 1m milling class, with the introduction of the BM 1000/35, BM 1200/35 and the BM 1300/35 planers. According to BOMAG, these units share a similar design concept to large planers, with a centrally mounted milling drum assembly. The company claims that the centrally mounted milling drum delivers high performance as well as low vibration levels, while the operator position allows a good view of the working area. Performance for these units is said to be good and with its 261kW diesel, the BM1000/35 is said to be the most powerful machine in its size class, while also offering high output and low fuel consumption. As with the firm’s other mills, these machines can be fitted with the BOMAG tool holder system, which is said to be maintenance-free and does not have to be tightened after use.
Meanwhile BOMAG has focused on high performance for its top-of-the-range BM2000/75 and BM2200/75 models which offer cutting widths of 2m and 2.2m respectively, as well as maximum cutting depths of 350mm. These two new models come in addition to the BM2000/60, which remains in the range. The firm claims that the 567kW diesels that drive these new machines make them the most powerful in their class, a key feature for productivity. Despite the high engine power however, the BM2000/75 and BM2200/75 are also said to be economical on fuel. The company also claims that its improved milling tool system will last longer than rival designs, while also cutting downtime and boosting milling efficiency.
Other new features include ease of servicing and use while a novel addition is a compact auxiliary diesel for tasks such as refilling water tanks, tool replacement and machine cleaning. In addition, the machine has an integrated service platform that is said to make daily machine checks easier while also providing better maintenance access. The machine also has a vibration-insulated seated operating platform for greater working comfort.
Wirtgen is however keen to retain its position in the milling equipment market and continues to develop its range of cold milling machines. Two key additions in the small-mid range are the W 120 Ri and the W 150 CFi models. The W 120 Ri is a compact planer offering a milling width of 1.2m, while it is said to be the first wheeled mill featuring rear-loading. The compact W 120 Ri features the same operating concept as the existing 500mm class W 35 Ri, W 50 Ri and W 60 Ri machines already available from Wirtgen. Key control features include the multifunctional armrest and automatic and driver assistant functions. The firm’s sophisticated LEVEL PRO PLUS levelling system is integrated into the machine control package to ensure a high-quality milling finish. The machine has a large conveyor for this class and can load reclaimed asphalt pavement quickly and continuously, while it also offers high manoeuvrability and mobility on its wheeled chassis.
Moving up a size class, the front loader W 150 CFi also features a low emission Stage IV/Tier 4 Final engine with milling widths of 1.5m and depths of 330mm. The W 150 CFi is the largest planer in Wirtgen’s compact class and is said to suit use on large job sites where space is limited, such as in urban areas. The planer has a sophisticated visibility system, which is said to help operation and also comes equipped with Wirtgen’s sophisticated LEVEL PRO PLUS system to optimise performance. With an operating weight of 20.1tonnes, the W 150 CFi can also be transported without requiring a special permit. As with the new W 120 Ri, the W 150 CFi is said to offer high mobility for faster transport between jobsites.
