EXPERT ADVICE important . The innovation of controls and automation has brought greater precision for controlling slope , depth , and speed .
There is no question that the technological advancements made in microelectronics have benefited milling machines . Electronics designed to improve performance , include electronic sensors and a built-in cross slope . A pair of sensors can read a variety of references from 12 to 55 inches directly below the bottom of the sensor . Each sensor can be calibrated and adjusted from the ground level or at the operator ’ s console . The position of the rotor in relation to the grade reference can be constantly displayed on the central controller . Changes to the elevation controls include the addition of a raise / lower switch that is used when milling around obstacles . In many cases , the electronic control module monitors and regulates the performance of major machine systems , including speed , steering , rotor drive , and other functions . If a problem occurs , a warning is issued .
Along with the electronic features that keep milling machines on track are the advances being made in the cutting end of the machines . The ability to change cutting drums quickly to achieve multiple cutting widths with the same machine is a benefit to contractors who may only need one machine to accomplish multiple job requirements .
Today ’ s milling machines also reduce the time required to change the all-important cutting teeth . Early machines had the teeth welded on , so tooth replacement required a fair amount of downtime as each had to be re-welded to the drum . Now , teeth are held in variously designed bolt-on housings that permit faster changing . For example , some machines come with an air compressor as standard equipment allowing the use of pneumatic tools for quicker tooth changes .
“ Proper drum maintenance is key to ensuring the quality of the milling surface ,” Miller said . “ If you run your bits too long you will lose production . If you change them too soon you lose the life of the cutting tool . There is always a breakeven point to accomplish production and not waste cutting tools , if you can find that trade off you will have the best of production and quality of product produced .”
At the end of the day or shift , the experts all agree that a thorough inspection of the
milling machine should be performed to uncover maintenance needs .
“ End of shift inspections will help ensure that you are prepared for the next shift ,” stated Miller . “ Just shutting down and walking away and hoping everything is ok for the next shift is normally a disaster . Just because it was working fine when you shut down does not mean that there is not a problem just around the corner that could have been prevented .”
Employing good operational practices dictate that milling operations will run smooth and yield the quality results a contractor expects .
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August 2021