ForConstructionPros.com

By Sam Simon
Editor, ForConstructionPros.com

A milling machine or planer attachment can be an ideal money maker and time saver. However, to get the most out of your investment, you need to keep the unit up-and-running while operating at peak efficiency. It is important that you take the necessary steps to ensure this piece of equipment is properly maintained.

Cutting Teeth
The primary element of a milling machine or planer that is most susceptible to wear is the cutter-drum teeth. "Obviously those take the most abuse because they are in constant contact with the asphalt," explains Dynapac Product Manager Tom Chastain.

Jason Emlet, Technical Service Representative - Milling with Ingersoll Rand, says "The cutting drums are the heart of a milling machine. If these are not properly maintained the performance of the machine will suffer greatly. Not only will the production rate of the machine suffer, you will burn more fuel in the process."

Though it is inevitable that the teeth will wear, the rate at which they wear can be slowed. One way to extend the life of the teeth is to add water to the milling process. "Running a water system on the drum is going to prolong the life because the water acts as a coolant to the tools," says Chastain. In addition to cooling the teeth, the water becomes a lubricant between the teeth and asphalt. Bill Bethards, Manager of Sales and Product Support with Zanetis, says tooth life can be increased by 20 to 30 percent when using water on cold planer attachments. Water also has the added benefit of reducing the amount of dust that is created by using a planer or milling machine.

Teeth rotation also determines the life of the teeth. "If a tooth seizes up within the holder, you're only going to have wear one side," says Bethards. "It will look as though someone put a grinding wheel to the surface." The housing the tooth sits in should regularly be cleaned so the tooth is able to spin freely. Bethards recommends owners clean with a water-based, soapy release agent at the end of the day to help break down the emulsion.