Sustainability and cost savings Cold recycling’s environmental benefits are increasingly difficult to ignore. By reusing existing materials, the process dramatically reduces transport requirements. “You’re transporting up to 90% less material,” Kukard says. “That alone results in CO 2 emission reductions of over 60%.” Material usage is also optimised. “You’re using 100% of what’s already there,” he explains. “You’re not paying to remove material, and you’re not paying to bring new material in.” The financial implications are equally significant. “Construction costs can be reduced by 50% or more,” Kukard notes. “And time savings translate directly into cost savings for contractors.” Collaboration as a success factor Introducing new technology at this scale requires close collaboration between all stakeholders. “This project would not have been possible without alignment between the client, the engineer, and the contractor,” Kukard emphasises. “You need a client willing to trial the technology, an engineer prepared to design around it, and a contractor ready to invest.” Wirtgen SA also played an active role beyond equipment supply. “As the OEM, we understood that we needed to support this project fully,” Kukard says. “That included factory support, on-site commissioning, training, and structured commercial terms.” As material shortages intensify and maintenance backlogs grow, Kukard believes cold recycling will become a cornerstone of future road rehabilitation strategies. “This isn’t a passing trend,” he says. “Cold recycling has proven itself globally as a viable, long-term solution.” With multiple high-profile projects already underway and increasing uptake across Southern Africa, momentum is building. “The future of road rehabilitation lies in technologies that are faster, more sustainable, and more cost-effective,” Kukard concludes. “Cold recycling ticks all those boxes - and we’re only just getting started.” At over 50 tonnes, the machine’s weight enables it to maintain consistent penetration, even in hard pavement structures. b Shaping the future of road rehabilitation
rehabilitate close to a kilometre of road per day. “In a 10-hour shift, you can easily complete a kilometre,” he adds. “The limiting factor is usually logistics - supplying cement and bitumen at the same pace the machine consumes it.” This speed also enables a more strategic approach to rehabilitation. “Instead of patching potholes that reappear weeks later, you’re addressing the real problem - the failing base layers,” Kukard explains. “Potholes aren’t caused by the asphalt surface; they’re caused by the layers underneath being washed away.” Quality through precision Consistency and quality control are central to the W380 CR’s design. The machine uses fully automated, meter-controlled
systems to regulate the addition of water and binder. “The quantities are based on laboratory testing and engineering design,” Kukard explains. “The machine automatically adjusts, regardless of speed or milling depth, to ensure the correct proportions are added.” Another distinguishing feature is the machine’s down-cutting drum design.“Most recyclers use an up-cut method,” says Kukard. “The W380 CR cuts from the top down, which creates a much finer and more uniform material.” At over 50 tonnes, the machine’s weight enables it to maintain consistent penetration, even in hard pavement structures. “That mass allows the drum to work effectively without the risk of the machine lifting or losing traction,” Kukard adds.
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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS FEBRUARY 2026
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