What Are Your Best Tips for Running a Road Reclaimer?

Carlo.theroadrunner

Carlo.theroadrunner

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Hey everyone!

Road reclaimers are a game-changer for roadwork, but getting the best results takes some know-how. Whether you’re grinding up asphalt, tackling tough concrete, or dealing with mixed materials, the right setup can make all the difference.

How do you keep your reclaimer running smoothly? Any tips on blade choice, cutter depth, or just general tricks to get the job done faster (without wrecking your equipment)? Also, what brands or models have worked best for you? Let’s swap some advice!
 
Good question! One thing that’s helped me is adjusting the cutter depth based on material type—too deep, and you’ll wear out the machine faster; too shallow, and you won’t get a clean cut. Also, keeping the water system in check helps with dust control and extends cutter life. What kind of projects are you mostly using yours for?
 
I second that, water is key! I’ve also found that keeping an eye on the cutter teeth and swapping them out before they get too worn makes a big difference in performance. It’s a pain, but waiting too long just makes the machine work harder and slows everything down.
 
Depends on the job, but I always make sure to match the right cutter drum to the material. Asphalt and concrete require different setups, and using the wrong one will just eat up time and money. Also, stay on top of your hydraulic system—any leaks or pressure issues can mess with performance big time.
 
What brands have y’all had the best luck with? I’ve run CAT and Wirtgen reclaimers, and both have their pros and cons. Wirtgen seems to have better cutter drum options, but CAT machines are built tough.
 
Appreciate all the input! I’m mostly working with older asphalt roads, but we do get into some concrete sometimes. Seems like I should be paying more attention to cutter depth and water flow. Has anyone tried different blade configurations to improve efficiency?
 
Yeah, blade configuration can make a big difference! I’ve had good results using staggered carbide teeth for tougher materials, helps cut through concrete without overloading the machine. Also, slowing down just a bit on deep cuts can save wear on the drum. Anyone experimented with different drum speeds to see what works best?
 
Great discussion! Keeping the cutter teeth sharp and the water system running right is a game-changer. Also, adjusting speed based on material saves wear on the machine. @Carlo.theroadrunner, have you tried different drum speeds to see what works best for your projects?
 
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