Wirtgen has launched the AutoTrac system for its WR series cold recyclers and stabilizers.

The AutoTrac automatic steering system is designed to help Wirtgen wheeled recyclers to achieve greater process efficiency. It steers the machine accurately within tolerances of a few centimeters on the basis of a previously calculated reference strip and a specified overlap of adjacent strips, which enables consistent utilization of the machine’s ideal working width, the company says.

AutoTrac relies, among other things, on various global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) for precise determination of the machine’s position and direction of travel. The system is operated from an additional control panel that also enables the operator to view information about the position of the machine and previously completed strips.

Adhering to the pre-set overlaps reduces the consumption of binding agents, consumables, and fuel, makes the carbon footprint smaller, and shortens the project completion time.

Manual steering of the machine always requires considerable effort when it comes to avoiding unprocessed gaps in the ground being worked. Here too, the automatic steering system assists the operator and reduces the workload. Maintaining the desired overlap avoids unwanted gaps in the final results. The operator can concentrate entirely on the mixing process and keeping an eye on what’s going on around the machine, according to Wirtgen.

Source: Wirtgen Group