Technology: Cold Milling

Efficient Removal and Granulation of Road Pavement Layers

Cold milling machines are used to remove asphalt and concrete surfaces quickly and efficiently. In doing so, they create a level foundation with the specified width and depth that is required for paving new surface layers of uniform thickness. Layer-by-layer removal also enables the separation and selective reclamation according to mix types.

Discover the operating principle and technical components of cold milling technology. Learn all about the different types of cold milling machines and our front and rear loading systems.


Components of modern small milling machines

Small milling machines offer high mobility and flexibility. They are used for machining small surfaces and for precise milling in confined spaces and are equipped with a wheeled chassis. The milling drum is located at the rear of the machine.

Precise, intuitive leveling with LEVEL PRO PLUS
Efficient Multifunctional Armrest
Perfect visibility, comfort, and ergonomics
Effective steering functions
Dynamic and quick maneuvering
Quick inward pivoting of the right rear wheel
Superior Cutting Technology for Maximum Performance
High loading capacity for maximum performance
High traction through optimum weight distribution
Highest productivity in its class
Components of modern compact milling machines

The highly flexible compact milling machines combine the advantages of the small and large milling machine classes. The lightweight, maneuverable front loaders can be used in confined spaces and, thanks to their high level of performance, are suitable for a wide range of applications. Wheeled or tracked undercarriages.

Precise, intuitive leveling with LEVEL PRO PLUS
Efficient Multifunctional Armrest
Unrivaled all-round visibility concept
Ergonomic design and comfort on the operator’s platform
Time-saving inward pivoting of the right rear track unit
Quick and Precise Maneuvering
Outstanding Milling Performance in All Applications
Outstanding Loading Performance and Flexibility
High engine power output for tremendous productivity
High Traction and Optimized Weight
Components of Modern Large Milling Machines

Due to their high milling performance, large milling machines are particularly suitable for repair work on large areas. The front loaders are equipped with four hydraulically steerable and height-adjustable track units, whereby the milling drum is positioned in the middle beneath the machine.

Intuitive HMI – Human/Machine Interface
Precise. Versatile LEVEL PRO ACTIVE Leveling System
Outstanding Reliability
Resource-Friendly Machine Technology
Outstanding Comfort on the Operator’s Platform
Unparalleled Cutting Technology
Innovative MILL ASSIST
Reduced diesel fuel consumption
The Advantages of Cold Milling Technology

Cold milling is a globally recognized construction method that is characterized by outstanding efficiency and the important role it plays in the recycling of construction materials. Thanks to its unique experience and expertise in milling technology, WIRTGEN is continuously expanding the range of applications for cold milling machines. As an innovation leader, WIRTGEN always delivers results for demanding applications and develops field-proven, productive solutions – often together with customers.

A Wide Range of Efficient Applications

A variety of milling drums – such as fine milling drums or ECO-Cutter – make it possible to carry out a wide range of milling jobs in asphalt rehabilitation. In addition, specially configured cold milling machines can also be used in the field of concrete or rock milling. Examples of applications for rock milling machines include routing operations, lowering track beds, or lowering the bottom of tunnels. Other special machine modifications allow steep gradient milling up to a 35° bank sloping angle when working on dams, canals, and compensating reservoirs. Cold milling machines are also frequently used in the field of pipeline construction for digging trenches or for milling grooves and slots. In short, the range of applications is enormous.

Milling applications in buildings with low headroom and on surfaces with limited bearing capacity.

Eliminating surface defects via fine milling.

Removal of a concrete surface on a company’s premises.

Removing markings on road surfaces.

Steep gradient milling at a reservoir.

Precise exposure of road installations without the need for additional refinishing.

Precise milling of an ash sports field over the entire surface.

Cold Milling Machines to Meet the Requirements of Every Market

Each market is unique and has its own specific needs. WIRTGEN offers a comprehensive range of individually tailored solutions and products to meet these needs – its range of cold milling machines includes a large number of different models that perfectly meet the specific needs of the various markets. In this context, WIRTGEN’s high level of customer-orientated design and engineering expertise is a guarantee for market-driven innovations.

For example, WIRTGEN realizes cost-effective, industry-leading solutions based on varying local, regional, and national legal regulations with regard to road widths, maximum permissible transport weights, emission limits, and differences in climate and infrastructure.

In Japan, for example, road lanes often have to be milled out flush with the edges on both sides without the cold milling machine making any turns. The W 200 Hi is the ideal choice for this job as it offers a zero edge on each side. In addition, the W 200 Hi features state-of-the-art engine technology that fulfills the stringent criteria of the US Tier 4f exhaust emission standard applicable in Japan.

The W 200 Hi with a hydraulically movable milling drum is frequently deployed on projects in Japan.

The 3.8-meter-wide milling drum assembly is designed to accommodate the generous width of roadways in the United States.

Milling with 3D or laser control fulfills the stringent criteria of Western European standards.

The W 50 H and W 100 H have been redesigned from the ground up to satisfy the requirements of countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

Resource-Friendly Machine Technology

With its efficient technologies, WIRTGEN makes an important contribution to the conservation of natural resources and the reduction of harmful emissions throughout the construction process chain. Milled material such as reclaimed asphalt pavement is a valuable construction material, up to 100% of which can be reused in the production of asphalt mixes. On large milling machines with the “Dual Engine Concept”, the second engine can be switched off depending on the operation to save diesel fuel and reduce emissions. The innovative MILL ASSIST machine control significantly reduces the operator’s workload while improving machine performance and considerably reducing diesel fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and noise.

During the milling process, fine material particles and water vapor are generated in the milling drum assembly. WIRTGEN offers an extraction system for road milling machines with a front loading system that significantly reduces the amount of airborne particles.

WIRTGEN cold milling machines are equipped with state-of-the-art engine technology that minimizes operational emissions. These are easily identified by the model designation ‘i’ (intelligent emission control).

Cold milling machines are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that help reduce noise emissions.

Mechanical vibrations occur during the milling process. When designing its milling machines, the use of attenuating components is of utmost importance to WIRTGEN.

The History of WIRTGEN Cold Milling

From a Service Provider to a Global Market Leader

Learn more about the history of WIRTGEN cold milling
The WIRTGEN Cold Milling Manual

Technology and Applications

Take a look at the Cold Milling Manual

Our Cold Milling Machines in Action around the Globe

Maximum Performance and Productivity with the Large Milling Machine W 250 XF

Large milling machine W 250 XF

Ideally equipped for challenging milling tasks, the new large milling machine W 210 XF has been available and working on construction sites since January 2025.

Large milling machine W 210 XF

The Newest Model of Wirtgen’s F-Series Large Milling Machines Is Now Available

Cold milling machine W 220 XFi offers a broader spectrum of performance

The newest model of the Wirtgen F series rounds out the compact class at the upper end with a milling width of up to 6 ft. (1.8 m).

A new F-Series compact milling machine

The new Wirtgen compact milling machines can now be fitted with a comfort cabin. This makes them the world’s first cold milling machines in this machine class to be offered with a cabin.

A Global Innovation in this Machine Class

The W 100 Fi Spearheads the New Machine Generation at Bauma 2022

F-series compact milling machines

With the market launch of the W 100 Fi, W 120 Fi, W120 FTi, and the W 130 Fi in the USA, cold milling machine specialist, Wirtgen, presents a quartet of high performance, next generation compact milling machines.

Compact milling machines from Wirtgen

With Mill Assist, milling operations are carried out particularly cost-effectively. In the process, the Wirtgen Performance Tracker is responsible for the job’s precise documentation.

Wirtgen W 200 Fi

At the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, two W 210 Fi from Wirtgen efficiently put their 756 hp to the pavement – a perfect example of cost-effective milling.

F Series in Pole Position in North America