Compact milling machines offer maneuverability and flexibility
Some projects have small, tight spaces that require compact equipment with the maneuverability of a sports car, not an 18-wheeler. In these cases, contractors employ small dozers, mini excavators and compact track loaders. Add to that mix a small milling machine specifically suited for removing road pavements, milling pavement strips, or milling tie-ins.
The latest addition from Roadtec Inc. to its line of milling machines is the RX-100e — a highly maneuverable mini-size mill with a base cutting width of 20 in. (508 mm), maximum cutting depth of 8 in. (203 mm) deep, and a drum diameter with teeth of 30 in. (750 mm). The weight, power, and dimensions of this compact machine make it the perfect option for cutting trenches, demarcation and cutting around manhole covers or for other narrow spaces. The RX-100e features a shipping weight of 15,840 lbs (7,184 kg), a length of 12 ft, 8 in. (3.87 m) and a width 4 ft, 8 in. (1.42 m). The RX-100e is a 140-hp (103 kW) machine with a hydraulically-driven drum features large access doors on both sides of the machine for maintenance access to the interior components.
A Cummins QSB 4.5 Tier 4i compliant diesel engine powers the small utility cold planer. The RX-100e 140-hp (103 kW) engine is cooled by a high-efficiency variable speed fan. The speed of the fan is based on cooling demand, which is designed to decrease the engine load and increase the fuel economy of the machine. To add functional versatility, the right, rear leg tube on the RX-100e is positioned alongside the cutter housing for normal milling, but the leg tube can also be rotated to a position in front of the cutter housing for flush cut operations.
The operator station includes simple controls and the operator seat, which incorporates comfort suspension, can slide out to the right of the machine for enhanced visibility. The Roadtec RX-100e utility milling machine is expected to be the ideal choice for congested urban areas and other confined work sites.
Jeff Winke is a business and construction writer based in Milwaukee, Wis. He can be reached through www.jeffwinke.com.
