Skip to main content

Cutting better with Roadtec

Roadtec is improving its line of cold planer cutter drums to provide a better milling pattern and a longer tool and base life. The firm has reworked the drum end ring configuration for better match-cutting and to extend tool life. The impact angle of the tools on the drum has been optimise and this will lengthen the life of the consumable bit. The lacing pattern has been adjusted and this allows for a better texture on the milled surface as well as a more balanced impact when the tools strike the cutting ar
February 28, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
According to Roadtec, the new pattern the cutters leave improves bonding of a new asphalt layer, providing a smoother surface and extending the life of a reworked road
1252 Roadtec is improving its line of cold planer cutter drums to provide a better milling pattern and a longer tool and base life. The firm has reworked the drum end ring configuration for better match-cutting and to extend tool life. The impact angle of the tools on the drum has been optimise and this will lengthen the life of the consumable bit. The lacing pattern has been adjusted and this allows for a better texture on the milled surface as well as a more balanced impact when the tools strike the cutting area. The aim of this redesign is to provide 3,000hours of service for the tool base and cutter drum components. However, good maintenance of tools and holders is required make sure the tools are in good working and this includes regular visual inspections.

Roadtec's Jeff Rule explained, "With the redesign we've eliminated the wear problem some of our customers were experiencing with their drums at the end rings. If the users keep up their cutter tools and holders properly, they will see a significant increase in the longevity of the holder and base block out of these drums."

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • New industry developments push boundaries of machine control
    May 22, 2014
    A series of innovations in machine control or automation technologies are helping transform the construction industry - Mike Woof writes Equipment manufacturer have made huge advances in machine performance, delivering new models that offer increased capabilities and productivity, while using less fuel. Reliability and uptime too have been improved, with the development of equipment that can forestall unplanned downtime by telling the user when it will require service attention. Meanwhile new engines delive
  • Asphalt milling and paving with 3D control
    February 16, 2012
    Milling and paving repair operations for airport runways require particularly high tolerances, an obvious market for 3D control solutions writes Mike Woof. Airport runways require some of the most accurate quality standards and tightest tolerances of any asphalt or concrete surface. This is one area where the high precision capabilities of 3D systems offer clear advantages.
  • Notable developments have been made in milling machines
    February 21, 2013
    The milling machine market is increasingly competitive - Mike Woof reports. Having been a pioneer of the road milling machine market, it is no surprise that the Wirtgen group holds a dominant position in this sector. The company has arguably the broadest range of machines available with the widest array of options and features, to suit specific applications as well as regional requirements. The company has faced increasing levels of competition however, with firms such as BOMAG, Caterpillar, Dynapac, Roadte
  • Increased milling tool wear life is claimed from Element Six for its new products
    April 5, 2012
    Specialist materials company, Element Six, hopes to boost worldwide sales for its high performance tungsten carbide tools. The firm has been manufacturing road planing picks for over 20 years and has proven its products in Europe but is looking to develop its worldwide profile. Well-proven in the European market, the company’s MasterGrade range is increasingly used by road contractors globally. The MasterGrade product is said to feature a high quality tungsten carbide grade, which the firm claims can delive