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The bulk of the milling machine market consists of half-lane machines weighing from 60,000 to 90,000 lbs. and typically equipped with roughly 7-ft.-wide cutting drums, which are powered by 600- to 800-hp engines. These machines are productive, efficient, relatively maneuverable and transportable and can chew up a lot of asphalt in a short amount of time. But how do you know if this size unit is right for your application?

Milling machines — or cold planers, as officially designated by the AEM and ARRA — generally fall into three categories: full-lane, half-lane and smaller commercial machines.

Full-lane units typically cut 12- to 12.5-ft. swaths, but can grind a path as wide as 14.5 ft. Twin engines routinely power these high-horsepower machines, which can weigh upwards of 110,000 lbs or more. Their niche is sheer production — milling road surfaces as quickly as possible.

Commercial mills fall at the opposite end of the spectrum. Their forte is parking lots, driveways, bridge decks and maintenance work such as asphalt patching and repair, or any job where size and weight can be a restriction. Plus, they are a good match for milling around manhole covers. These units typically weigh less than 40,000 lbs. and are equipped with drums 4 ft. and less in width.

Half-lane units fill the expanse in between. Their maneuverability and productivity make them a good choice for the bulk of milling jobs, thus explaining their stronghold on the market. They can mill long, wide stretches of side streets and interstates, yet are deft enough to move around many larger parking lots and cul de sacs. For added versatility, some half-lane models can accept drum cutters as narrow as 2 ft. or as wide as 12.5 ft.