Abstract: The invention relates to a motor-driven milling machine construction for cutting trenches in the ground, in which there are two rotating semi-drums with cutting tools at their periphery. The drums are mounted on a central support. The sole function of the motor is to transmit a rotational torque to the semi-drums without transmitting any other forces. The stress exerted on the cutting tools is directly transmitted to the central support without going through the motor frame.

Abstract: A milling engine for cutting trenches in ground or soil provided with at least one vertical support plate on both sides of which milling drums are supported for rotation about an axis perpendicular to said plate. One or more movable fingers are mounted on the lower edge of the plate for oscillating movement aobut the central axis of the plate during the rotation of the drums to remove a web of soil beneath the plate. Oscillation of the fingers is effected through camming surfaces formed on opposing inner ends of the drums which camming surfaces cooperate with a cam disposed at the inner ends of said movable fingers.