WIRTGEN’s AutoTrac system for stabilizers and recyclers increases efficiency, reduces environmental impact

Using environmentally friendly processes and handling valuable resources responsibly are becoming more important in the areas of soil stabilization and cold recycling. Cost-effective realization of these processes is only possible when they are efficiently executed. With the launch of the AutoTrac system for its WR Series, WIRTGEN now offers a technology that focuses precisely on this.

Soil stabilizers are used for resource-efficient preparation of pavement bases on infrastructure projects. A subbase with insufficient load-bearing capacity is transformed into resilient materials that can withstand heavier loads. This process takes the existing soil and adds and mixes in binding agents such as cement and/or lime. In the case of cold recycling with the WR Series machines, damaged asphalt layers are milled and resized in a single operation, rebound by the addition of binding agents and water, and then repaved. New base layers produced by this process have extremely high load-bearing capacities.

Automatic steering for optimal overlaps

By enabling precise, automatic steering, the AutoTrac system helps WIRTGEN machines achieve greater process efficiency and, as a result, a high degree of environmental sustainability. It steers the machine accurately within tolerances of a few centimeters on the basis of a previously established reference strip and a specified overlap of adjacent strips, which enables consistent utilization of the machine’s ideal working width. AutoTrac relies on various global navigation satellite systems for precise control 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.

Shorten completion time

Adhering to the pre-set overlaps reduces the consumption of binding agents, consumables and fuel, making the carbon footprint smaller and shortening the project’s completion time. The result is increased project efficiency, as well as cost-effectiveness and reduced environmental impact.

Reduce operator workload

Manual steering of the machine always requires considerable effort when it comes to avoiding unprocessed gaps in the ground being worked. AutoTrac’s automatic steering 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 keep an eye on what’s going on around the machine.