The Surfacing division welcomed its newest addition last month, the Wirtgen W130Fi mill. Before heading to our first site, the team spent several days training in the yard alongside a Wirtgen representative, getting familiar with the machine’s capabilities and operation. As part of the training, the crew milled the Haul Road and Engineering intersection before paving a 70mm layer of AC14. This provided a valuable opportunity to get a feel for the machine and build confidence operating it in a live environment.

Weighing more than 21 tonnes and measuring 12m in length, the Wirtgen W130Fi is capable of milling to depths of 330mm across a width of 1.3m, making light work of removing existing pavement surfaces. Under optimal conditions, the machine can remove between 90 and 150 tonnes of material per hour, depending on the milling depth.

The mill also features an integrated performance tracking system. Using a laser scanner, the machine can display live data, including milled volumes, tonnage and fuel-to-material ratios, allowing the team to monitor productivity and efficiency in real time.

This machine plays an important role in delivering the South Canterbury IDC contract. Recently, it was hard at work in the foothills near Fairlie, carrying out pavement repair works against a stunning rural backdrop.

It’s an exciting time for the Surfacing division as we continue investing in capability and exploring innovative ways to support projects across the business. Whether the job is large or small, the team is ready to deliver practical solutions and quality outcomes for our clients.