Wirtgen Group advances zero-emission road repairs with efficient, high-performance milling, paving, and compaction solutions. (Image source: Wirtgen Group)

Wirtgen Group is redefining small-scale road repairs with precision, efficiency, and sustainability. This report explores how its compact machines deliver seamless, zero-emission results

Small milling machines, MINI class pavers, and compact rollers work seamlessly together for small-scale repair projects, delivering high-quality results with zero operating emissions. These machines are ideal for working in confined spaces, ensuring long-term structural integrity in various applications.

On small project sites, whether dealing with minor repairs or addressing localised surface damage, maintaining top-tier quality remains essential. The Wirtgen Group provides a range of machines designed for application-specific efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Alongside Wirtgen’s small milling machines, this lineup includes Vögele’s MINI class pavers and Hamm’s compact rollers.

Permanent repair solutions

Common applications include small-scale maintenance in road construction, such as removing markings, working around road fixtures, milling gutters and slots, and repairing surfaces in active traffic areas. These machines also support the construction of cycleways, footpaths, farm tracks, car parks, and sports facilities. Their versatility extends to filling sewer trenches, paving industrial floors, and working in underground parking structures, as well as gardening and landscaping projects. Compact machines are particularly effective for time-sensitive repair and maintenance work, delivering durable results.

High-performance machines

Wirtgen’s small milling machines range from the compact W 35 Ri to the half-metre class W 50 Ri and the 1-metre class models. Despite their size, these machines offer impressive daily productivity, efficiently removing surface layers or milling multiple layers at once. The W 120 Ri rear loader, for instance, can remove complete asphalt packages up to 30 cm deep and 1.2 m wide.

Their efficiency is enhanced by single-handed operation, high travel speeds of up to 12 km/h, and the FCS quick-change system, which allows for rapid drum replacement with different widths and tool spacings. This enables both standard and fine-milling applications. Exceptional maneuverability allows precise milling around manhole covers and other tight spaces.

Compact paving solutions

For sites with restricted space or low headroom, Vögele’s smallest pavers—MINI 500, MINI 502, SUPER 700i, and SUPER 800i—provide paving widths from 0.25 m to 3.5 m, reducing manual labour while increasing efficiency. These machines enable contractors to execute small projects with greater convenience, precision, and cost-effectiveness.

Vögele’s Compact Class pavers are also suitable for small to medium-sized projects. Depending on the model, machines such as the SUPER 1000i, SUPER 1003i, SUPER 1300-3i, and SUPER 1303-3i can achieve paving widths ranging from 0.75 m to 5.00 m.

Versatile compaction machines

Hamm’s HD CompactLine tandem rollers, with operating weights between 1.5 t and 4.5 t, are highly adaptable for road and pathway construction, as well as landscaping. These rollers efficiently compact crushed stone, frost protection layers, base materials, and asphalt surfaces. Depending on the material and required compaction depth, contractors can select vibration, oscillation, or combination rollers for optimal results.

Hamm also offers electric rollers for zero-emission operation. The HD 10e and HD 12e models (drum widths: 1 m and 1.2 m, respectively, with operating weights of 2.5 t and 2.7 t) match the compaction performance of traditional combustion-engine models. Their operating system mirrors that of other HD CompactLine rollers, ensuring ease of use.

Innovative asphalt options

Using coloured asphalt enhances sustainability and aesthetics. Colourless bitumen, a mineral oil-based synthetic binder, allows for the integration of pigments. This approach enables urban planners, landscape designers, and construction firms to create unique paving effects for intersections, traffic guidance, and decorative landscaping. Small machines facilitate the efficient and precise application of colored asphalt.

Zero-emission construction

Municipal construction projects increasingly require sustainable solutions, and investors demand environmentally friendly execution. Contractors, too, are setting their own sustainability targets. The Wirtgen Group now offers a modular, end-to-end system that enables road construction projects to be completed with zero operating emissions. This fully integrated solution ensures operational reliability and seamless machine-to-machine coordination.

At the core of this system is a battery-electric drive concept, which can be expanded with additional modules. In road construction, this technology is exemplified by the Wirtgen W 50 Re milling machine, the Vögele SUPER 1300-5e paver, and the Hamm HX 70e tandem roller. These machines allow road rehabilitation projects to be completed with zero emissions.

This production system is designed for scalability. The Benninghoven MULTI JET burner, powered entirely by green hydrogen, is the first of its kind to achieve asphalt production without CO₂ emissions. Additionally, the Kleemann MR 100i NEOe mobile impact crusher enables the sustainable processing of milled material, allowing it to be reused in new asphalt mixes. The system can run exclusively on electric power from an external grid. If grid power is insufficient, it can also operate using a low-emission diesel-electric system powered by HVO100.

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A US$250mn IFC loan will help Standard Bank finance eco-friendly, affordable housing and commercial developments across South Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

To boost the development and purchase of eco-friendly buildings and homes across South Africa, including in the affordable housing sector and for women homeowners, IFC has announced a US$250mn loan to The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, the nation’s largest bank by asset value

The unsecured senior loan will enable Standard Bank to extend financing to real estate developers and homebuyers for properties that meet international best practices for sustainable construction.

This collaboration will drive greener development in South Africa’s residential, commercial, industrial, and retail property sectors, with each project adhering to IFC’s EDGE certification or an equivalent standard for energy and water efficiency and sustainable building materials.

EDGE provides property developers with insights on constructing environmentally friendly buildings and offers a fast, easy, and reliable method to assess their energy efficiency.

Boosting green housing

Up to US$75mn of IFC’s funding will be allocated to individual home loans, with US$37.5mn specifically designated for women purchasing homes. At least half of all funds directed toward new residential projects will be focused on affordable housing.

Kenny Fihla, Standard Bank group deputy CEO for South Africa, stated, “South Africa's property sector presents immense growth potential, and with rising urbanisation, the demand for sustainable, resource-efficient developments has never been greater. This collaboration allows Standard Bank and its clients to meaningfully grow a more sustainable real estate landscape.”

Cláudia Conceição, IFC’s regional director for Southern Africa, added, “IFC is pleased to expand the collaboration with Standard Bank, our longstanding partner in South Africa, to help widen access to finance for certified green buildings in South Africa. As we continue to champion innovative blended finance solutions to support high-impact segments in the real estate sector, such as affordable housing and women homeowners, IFC is helping in their transition towards a more sustainable future and supporting the growth of a more inclusive and resilient economy.”

To help offset the costs of greening and certification for developers and homeowners, the project will also be supported by a US$4.8mn performance-based initiative under the Market Accelerator for Green Construction (MAGC) program. This bilateral initiative between IFC and the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is designed to scale up green residential and commercial construction loans and mortgage financing, benefiting end-borrowers directly.

This partnership aligns with IFC’s commitment to increasing private sector participation in South Africa’s key sectors to drive inclusive, sustainable, and broad-based growth. Over the past five years, IFC has invested more than US$5.2bn in South Africa, making it IFC’s largest country exposure in Africa and its fifth largest globally.

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Yanmar launches electrification unit for compact off-highway segment (IMAGE SOURCE: Yanmar)

Yanmar is to launch a new dedicated electrification unit focused on the compact off-highway segment

This new unit, which will commence operations in April 2025, will focus on delivering a diverse portfolio of e-powertrain solutions, including batteries and eDrives.

The ultimate goal is to help drive zero-emission solutions for compact off-highway machinery, according to Tetsuya Yamamoto, chief operating officer, Yanmar Holdings.

“This initiative is a major milestone in Yanmar’s commitment to realising our brand statement: A Sustainable Future,” he said.

“The development of e-powertrains is crucial for adapting the expertise we have built with diesel engines to a broader range of applications beyond just construction and agricultural machinery, and it represents an important step towards achieving carbon neutrality.”

As a component manufacturer, supplier and integrator, the new unit will work closely with Yanmar customers to electrify applications such as excavators, wheel loaders and other industrial machinery.

The new electrification unit will concentrate on three primary product areas: Yanmar-branded industrial machinery; machinery for OEMs; and components and e-powertrains for industrial machinery.

“As we face the challenges of climate change and strive for a sustainable society, it is essential to accelerate the development and adoption of electric powertrains that not only enhance product performance but also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Yamamoto.

In recent years, Yanmar has invested in research and development to establish itself as a leader in zero-emission technologies in key construction equipment niches.

This includes strategic acquisitions, such as the 2022 takeover of Eleo Technologies, which has strengthened the group’s battery capabilities.

To spearhead the latest initiative, Yanmar has appointed Marko Dekena, who boasts a long career in electric and alternative energy powertrains within the automobile industry, to lead the new electrification group.

He said the new electrification division will not only support the ongoing transformation of the compact off-highway segment but also pave the way for a more sustainable future generally.

“By leveraging Yanmar’s deep understanding of our customers’ needs, we are dedicated to delivering technologies that will accelerate the transition toward zero emissions,” said Dekena.

In addition to electrification, Yanmar is also actively exploring hydrogen and alternative non-carbon fuels and resource recycling solutions to drive further advancements in environmental responsibility and carbon reduction.

Read more Yanmar news here:

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With its robust capabilities in the 30 MT category, the MH3032 is set to become a preferred choice in the material handling sector. (Image source: Caterpillar)

In a testament to its ongoing commitment to industrial applications, Caterpillar is expanding its material handler portfolio with the introduction of the Cat Next Generation MH3032 Material Handler

Positioned strategically between the MH3026 and MH3040—both already part of the next-generation platform—the MH3032 is built with performance, durability, and reliability in mind. This 30 MT machine integrates advanced technology to enhance operational efficiency.

Efficiency is key in material handling. The goal is to move and sort materials—whether waste, scrap, or recyclables—as quickly and efficiently as possible while minimizing fuel consumption and optimizing safety and operator comfort.

"That’s the essential principle of our next gen architecture. Keeping control over operating costs, without sacrificing performance, and it’s those parameters that come to the forefront in the MH3032," commented Vincent Migeotte, senior product and sales consultant, Caterpillar.

Versatile material handler

With an impressive near-15m reach, the MH3032 offers both drop-nose and straight-stick configurations for flexibility. Handling scrap is effortless with the standard Cat orange-peel grapple featuring a 1m³ capacity, while an optional 20 kW generator enables magnet attachments for even greater versatility.

The MH3032 is designed for ease of operation, incorporating Cat Payload technology, which allows operators to monitor lifting loads in real-time and track overall tonnage output. Safety is further enhanced with the built-in Cat 2D E-fence, which keeps the arm within a predefined working range, preventing collisions with the elevated cab and improving overall site safety. Additionally, the new Swing Assist feature automatically stops movement at operator-defined points, reducing unnecessary motion.

"Technologies like these not only help reduce the operator fatigue associated with repetitive tasks but also help improve site safety. Optimised movements also mean incremental improvements to time and fuel consumption," stated Migeotte. 

Inside the dedicated Material Handler cab, a built-in monitor displays dual external camera views to enhance visibility and hazard awareness.

Despite being a new model, the MH3032 benefits from proven components used across the MH3000 Next Generation range, ensuring reliability and easy access to parts. This means operators can expect the same high standards without compromising on versatility.

The machine is powered by the compact and modular Cat C7.1 engine, which meets multiple global emissions standards, including U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, and Japan 2014, with options for Tier 3 and Stage IIIA compliance in specific regions. The engine is designed for extended maintenance intervals, reducing downtime and operational costs.

With its robust capabilities in the 30 MT category, the MH3032 is set to become a preferred choice in the material handling sector.

"By meeting the demands of the 30 MT size class head-on, the MH3032 should prove a popular selection in the all-important material handling sector. It’s a fine machine, totally at ease with its next gen credentials, and we’re delighted to see it launch in 2025," concluded Migeotte.

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