100 percent mining – environmentally friendly, efficient and safe extraction of primary resources in a single operation
The 280 SM(i) is a high-performance surface miner designed for the reliable and selective extraction of primary resources by direct loading, sidecasting or cut-to-ground. Raw materials are extracted and crushed in situ in purest quality in a single operation – without drilling and blasting, and with minimal environmental impact. The 280 SM(i) is driven by four steerable and height-adjustable crawler units. The machine is highly maneuverable and can be quickly turned at the end of a cut. The LEVEL PRO ACTIVE automatic levelling system maintains the specified cutting depth with consistently high precision and without further aids.

The 280 SM(i) is an all-rounder for all rock hardnesses and applications. The 2,750 mm cutting drum unit with a cutting depth of up to 650 mm is precisely adaptable to each specific application and achieves outstanding cutting performance with minimal pick wear. Wear-resistant toolholder systems ensure optimal pick utilisation and minimal downtimes. The soft rock cutting drum unit is designed especially for high material flows in soft rocks. In contrast, the hard rock cutting drum unit ensures maximum durability and long life in hard rocks.


Entirely new standards are set by the dust-sealed and air-conditioned positive-pressure cabin with fresh air filtration, which effectively prevents the ingress of dust into the operator’s workplace. Mounted on the front left chassis column, the operator’s cabin with all-round glazing is decoupled from the machine body and can be rotated by 90° in both directions. Up to six cameras can also be installed to provide even better all-round vision. Various automatic functions also contribute to the operator’s comfort, reduce the risk of fatigue, assist the operator in the achievement of high productivity rates and make the overall process more efficient.
These days, the reduction of carbon emissions, noise, dust and vibration while maintaining consistently high extraction rates and productivity is more important than ever before. With the new surface miner, Wirtgen offers innovative technologies that minimise impact on the environment and conserve valuable natural resources. Thanks to the reduction of carbon emissions by low specific fuel consumption, an efficient water management system and effective solutions for the minimisation of dust pollution, the 280 SM(i) shows that ecological and economic considerations are actually compatible and closely interconnected.