If you’ve ever driven over a road that feels more like a washboard than a highway, you’ve seen a job site crying out for asphalt milling equipment. In road construction and maintenance, milling equipment plays a crucial role in creating smooth, safe, and long-lasting surfaces. 

At Southeastern Equipment Company, we’re proud to offer top-of-the-line BOMAG milling machines that revolutionize how contractors approach pavement rehabilitation and resurfacing projects.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the applications, advantages, and environmental considerations of modern milling equipment.

What is Asphalt Milling Equipment?

Think of a milling machine (also called a cold planer or road planer) like a giant, heavy-duty power sander for the road. These machines use a massive rotating drum fitted with carbide teeth to strip away layers of asphalt or concrete. Depending on the machine, you can shave off anywhere from a single inch to a full 13-inch deep cut in one pass.

But it’s not just about destruction. The magic happens at the conveyor. As the drum grinds the milling pavement, the debris is loaded directly into a dump truck.

Our milling specialist, Brian Coady, puts it simply: “That material is now called RAP—Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement. It is taken to the asphalt plant, mixed with new material, and then brought back to lay it down on the road, in your driveways, tennis courts, or wherever.” It’s the ultimate recycle-and-reuse cycle. 

Common Applications for Road Milling Equipment

Why choose asphalt milling over paving a new layer on top? Because “pave-overs” are like putting a fresh coat of paint on a rotten fence. It looks good for a minute, but the cracks always come back.

1. Pavement Rehabilitation and Resurfacing

The primary application of milling equipment is in pavement rehabilitation and resurfacing projects. By removing the top layer of damaged or worn asphalt, contractors can create a smooth, level surface for a new asphalt overlay. This process helps eliminate issues such as rutting, cracking, and uneven surfaces, ultimately extending the road’s service life.

2. Profiling

Milling machines are excellent for road profiling, which involves restoring the proper crown to a road surface, ensuring proper water drainage, and improving safety by reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Our BOMAG milling machines provide precise control, enabling operators to achieve the exact profile required for each project.

3. Material Removal and Excavation

In some cases, contractors must remove entire pavement sections to replace them or to make way for new infrastructure. Milling equipment can efficiently excavate large asphalt or concrete areas, preparing the surface for new construction or complete road rebuilding.

The BOMAG Advantage: Why We Run These Mills

At Southeastern Equipment Company, we’re proud to offer BOMAG milling machines, which come with several distinct advantages:

• Quieter Operation: BOMAG mills feature engines that run more quietly than competitors, reducing noise pollution on job sites.
• Easier Maintenance: The cutter drums on BOMAG machines are designed for easier maintenance, saving time, fuel cost, and reducing downtime.
• User-Friendly Controls: BOMAG milling machines are known for their intuitive operator consoles and controls, which make them easier to operate and reduce the learning curve for new operators.
• Advanced Technology: BOMAG consistently incorporates innovative technology into its milling equipment, ensuring contractors have access to the industry’s most advanced features.
• Versatility: Our most popular model, the BM 1200/35, is a 4-foot mill capable of handling a wide range of milling tasks, from surface preparation to deep excavation.

Environmental Considerations

Modern milling equipment, particularly BOMAG machines, incorporates several features that make them more environmentally friendly:

• Tier 4 Engines: BOMAG milling machines are equipped with Tier 4 engines, which significantly reduce emissions and particulate matter exposure, contributing to cleaner air on job sites.
• Asphalt Recycling: Milling equipment is critical to asphalt recycling. Brian shared that asphalt is the most recycled product in the United States, surpassing even aluminum cans and glass bottles. The milled material, known as RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement), can be reused in new asphalt mixes, reducing waste and conserving resources.
• Dust Suppression: BOMAG milling machines feature advanced water suppression and ventilation systems. Brian explains, “We have a water system to suppress the dust. We also have a ventilation system that removes the dust from the cutter box and deposits it into the dump truck. That keeps the dust out of the operator’s lungs.” 

Best Practices for Milling Equipment Operation

To get the most out of your milling equipment and ensure safe, efficient operation, consider these best practices:

• Add Soap to the Water System: Brian shared a valuable tip: “If you add a little soap to the water while filling the tank, such as Dawn dish soap, it makes bubbles. Those bubbles help suppress the dust and also help extend the teeth and holders’ life span.”
• Regular Maintenance: Keep your milling equipment in top condition by following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedules and procedures.
• Operator Training: Invest in comprehensive operator training to ensure safe, efficient equipment use. At Southeastern Equipment Company, we offer specialist support to train new operators and assist with maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Plan for Proper Depth and Width: Choose the right milling machine for your project based on the required cutting depth and width. BOMAG mills come in various sizes to suit different project requirements.

The Southeastern Equipment Company Advantage

When you pick up asphalt milling equipment from Southeastern, you’re not just getting a bill of sale. You’re getting a partner who knows how to keep your fleet on the road. From sizing the right machine for the project to on-site operator training, we’ve got your back.

Our team of specialists is always ready to assist with:

• Equipment selection and sizing
• Operator training
• Maintenance and repairs
• Parts ordering
• Project planning and execution

With our expertise and BOMAG’s superior milling equipment, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any pavement rehabilitation or resurfacing project confidently and efficiently.

Ready to elevate your road construction capabilities? Contact Southeastern Equipment Company today to learn more about our BOMAG milling machines and how they can benefit your next project.