Milling machines are recognised as an integral part of the process for achieving quality pavement performance standards. Roads & Infrastructure looks at the evolution of Cat cold planers, including the latest PM300 Series.
When milling machines, also known as cold planers, first came into the road rehabilitation market, their main job was to remove a layer of asphalt as quickly as possible and load it onto a truck via a conveyor, saving valuable time and money. Production was based only on the tonnage of material removed and loaded per hour.
Today, the requirement for a mill or cold planer has evolved. Production is still required, but grade and slope accuracy, cut texture, operator comfort and environment friendliness are all becoming must-haves. Above all, safety is paramount. The milling crew are now more connected to the paving crew in terms of material savings and asphalt quality.
To meet the demands of the job sites of today, the new compact Cat PM300 Series is designed as one of the most compact one-meter machines in the market. With both wheeled and tracked variants available for each model, it is suitable for a range of job sites where high manoeuvrability is required. The Cat C9.3 engine delivers 251 kilowatt (kW) of power, a three per cent increase over the previous model. The 251kW engine also meets the Tier 4 Final/Stage V emission standards, while the 246kW engine meets Tier 3/Stage IIIA standards.
Caterpillar’s PM300 Series can be configured with one of three drum widths and a choice of wheel or track undercarriage. These include the one-metre rotor PM310, the 1.2-metre PM312 and the 1.3-metre PM313. The rotor system is extended inward towards the chassis with wider rotors, as opposed to extending outside the frame like most other machines in the market. This allows the three models to have the same overall machine width despite different widths of cut.
“Sometimes the operators would move the leg inboard to the flush cut position to get it loaded onto a truck. We recommend working with the track or wheel extended to the outside for greater stability during operation, unless when working on a flush cut,” says Luca Mancin, Paving Product Trainer from Caterpillar Paving Products.
The rotor
Cat cold planers come standard with Cat System K milling rotors which feature efficient material flow and excellent cutting pattern. Rotors are available with spacings of 8 millimetres, 15 millimetres and 18 millimetres for a wide range of milling applications.
The dual taper retention design of Cat’s exclusive three-piece tool holders used on Cat K rotors makes it one of the easiest to replace in the market. It provides a reliable method for holding the tool holders in the blocks without the need for a retaining pin or bolt.
Reversible kicker paddles also help to increase wear life to reduce cost of operation. In addition, Cat also offers diamonds bits which can last up to 80 times longer than normal tungsten bits.
Controls and integrated technology
The controls for the PM300 Series are ergonomically designed with backlit buttons as well as the Cat Grade Control system that is integrated into the machine’s main touchscreen display without additional boxes. It has an optional remote display that can be mounted in front or behind the machine for a two-man crew. It is also ‘3D Ready’ for the Trimble 3D system.
“The machine is very comfortable to operate, and the controls are very intuitive, easy to use and to learn. The Standby feature allows operators to stop the machine sequentially, shutting down the water spray system, conveyor system, ventilation, and the idle engine. Why push six buttons when you only have to push one?” Mancin adds.
Dust abatement system
The Cat silica dust abatement system includes two spray bars inside the rotor chamber and a vacuum to capture the dust. This creates negative air pressure inside the cutting chamber, which helps to make the system more efficient.
“In demanding jobsites, low down-time is critical to get the most out of any machine. Our 1-meter class cold planers are designed with easy access to service components and eco drain points, helping reduce service and maintenance down-time,” says Mancin.
“On top of that, the machine also comes with extended service intervals, like 500-hours for engine oil and 3000-hours for hydraulic oil, which can help cut operating cost to the end user,” he adds.
Maintenance
As for daily maintenance, Mancin says the PM300 Series make the job easier for operators.
“With all the greasing points located in one area and fluid checks that are visible on the ground level, the maintenance job is made easy. The auto tensioning of crawlers’ tracks is another beneficial feature. The machine also comes with an integrated rotor turning system which comes with a two-button pendant that simplifies bit removal and replacement.
“Cat’s electrical system comes with colour-coded wiring harnesses, on board diagnostics, large service openings and ground level access. I think it is one of the easiest machines to service in this size class,” Mancin adds.
With Caterpillar’s strong dealer distribution network in Australia, parts and support is just a click or phone call away. Cat dealers are ready to help customers with service options for both the engine and the machine.
For more information, contact your local Cat dealer or visit www.cat.com.
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