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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
At Southeastern Equipment Company, we’re proud to offer BOMAG milling machines, which come with several distinct advantages:
Modern milling equipment, particularly BOMAG machines, incorporates several features that make them more environmentally friendly:
To get the most out of your milling equipment and ensure safe, efficient operation, consider these best practices:
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:
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.