WHICH ROLLER DO I NEED?

You’ve secured the project and now you’re looking at the different types of machinery you may need to hire. Rollers are one solution, commonly used for compacting materials such as soil, gravel, sand and road surfaces. There are numerous different techniques used for this job and therefore, different types of rollers that befit every single job. So, which roller do you need to purchase or hire for your project?

Finding the right roller for your project

The choice of roller needed will largely come down to the type of material that needs to be compacted. There are 6 main types; cylindrical rollers, sheepsfoot rollers, pneumatic tyred rollers, smooth wheeled rollers, vibratory rollers and grid rollers.

Cylindrical rollers

The most traditional roller, these can be handled manually and are normally made of an iron, concrete or stone material. They provide enough pressure to push down on the ground material, compacting it into place.

Sheepsfoot rollers

Here you will find a steel drum with round or rectangular lugs/feet fixed in. These are normally the best solution for fine-grained soils including heavy clays. Those working on projects based in dams, embankments, pavements, roads or railway locations may find this style particularly useful.

Pneumatic tyred roller

These have several rows of spaced out tyres which spreads the pressure across a specified width. They are most suitable for use on coarse soils and rocks or can be used to create a smooth finish after other forms of compaction.

Smooth wheeled roller

These machines are normally fitted with a steel roller at the front and at the back. This offers a smoother finish and is the best solution for compacting stone, gravel, sand, hardcore and ballast. However, they are normally not suitable for uniform sands, subgrades or use on embankments.

Vibratory roller

As the name suggests, these steel rollers vibrate as they move. This helps to compact more granular surfaces including asphalt. You will look to pay an increased cost to hire or rent one of these as the performance is significantly improved in comparison to other designs.

Grid Roller

The drum in a grid roller is made from steel bars formed into a grid with square shaped holes. They provide exceptional pressure but less of the kneading action of other options. Grid rollers are normally used for well-graded, course soils or weathered rocks and should be avoided when working with clays.

Here at Jay Bee Plant, we have years of experience in our trade. So, get in touch if you need more information or advice on the right roller for your job.