Asphalt milling attachment with adjustable baffle and secure attachment

A milling attachment for connection to a host vehicle, the host vehicle having a bucket to engage the milling attachment for propelling the milling attachment, the milling attachment comprising:

• a milling drum that is adjustably movable to determine milling depth;
• a hood and a bit access assembly that provides access to the milling drum;
• a discharge baffle disposed rearward of the milling drum and pivotally adjustable to maintain a desired space between the milling drum and the discharge baffle as the milling drum is moved;
• a baffle actuator for causing the pivoting of the discharge baffle;
• and
• a connection securing assembly for securing the connection of the host vehicle to the milling attachment.

A method for enhancing the performance of a milling attachment for connection to a host vehicle with a bucket and for inhibiting job down time, the milling attachment having a milling drum that is adjustably movable to determine milling depth, a hood and a bit access assembly that provides access to the milling drum, a discharge baffle disposed rearward of the milling drum and pivotally adjustable to maintain a desired space between the milling drum and the discharge baffle as the milling drum is moved, and a baffle actuator for causing the pivoting of the discharge baffle, the method comprising the steps of:

• sensing a threshold resistance in the rotation of the milling drum;
• determining whether the threshold resistance is maintained for a predetermined amount of time;
• and
• automatically activating the baffle actuator to pivot the discharge baffle to relieve the resistance sensed.