❄️ Cold Planers

(Also known as cold milling machines or asphalt milling machines)

Cold planers are specialized construction machines used to remove the top layer of asphalt or concrete pavement. This process—called milling—prepares surfaces for resurfacing or recycling and helps maintain proper road profiles.

🔧 Key Components of a Cold Planer

Component Description
Rotary Cutting Drum Located underneath the machine; equipped with replaceable carbide teeth to grind the surface.
Conveyor System Transfers milled material from the drum to a dump truck or hopper.
Tracks or Wheels Enables the machine to move steadily across the work surface.
Operator Platform or Cab Equipped with controls for drum depth, speed, and steering.
Water Spray System Reduces dust and cools the drum and cutting teeth.

⚙️ Types of Cold Planers

Type Best For
Half-Lane or Full-Lane Machines Large highway and airport projects. Deep cuts and high output.
Compact or Mini Cold Planers Urban or confined spaces; utility cuts, small repairs.
Wheeled Cold Planers Faster transport on roads; less traction than tracked units.
Tracked Cold Planers Greater stability and traction on uneven surfaces.

🏗️ Common Applications

  • Milling asphalt for resurfacing or repair
  • Removing pavement to correct grade/slope
  • Surface preparation before overlays
  • Full-depth removal for reconstruction
  • Recycling RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement)

✅ Advantages of Cold Planing

  • Precise depth control for consistent surface preparation
  • Cost-effective by reusing milled materials
  • Efficient removal of pavement without damaging the base
  • Environmentally friendly due to recycling potential
  • Improves road smoothness and skid resistance

🏷️ Leading Cold Planer Manufacturers

  • Wirtgen (part of the Wirtgen Group)
  • Caterpillar (CAT)
  • Roadtec
  • Bomag
  • Dynapac
  • CMI

📊 Typical Performance Specs (Varies by Model)

Feature Range
Cutting Width 12 inches – 14 feet (300 mm – 4.2 m)
Cutting Depth Up to 14 inches (355 mm)
Horsepower (HP) 300 – 1,200+ HP
Milling Speed 10 – 100 feet per minute