Nothing beats road rollers when it comes to crushing and compacting gravel, asphalt, dirt, and concrete. This type of wheeled equipment plays an irreplaceable role in modern general contracting. The rollers’ unique design and reliable compaction system have literally and figuratively paved the way for developing infrastructure. Such developments include highways, agricultural lands, and commercial and residential buildings, to name a few.
This article will talk about road rollers and the different types of rollers used by leading construction and paving firms in New Zealand. We’ll also discuss how this machinery contributes to faster, more efficient compaction and paving work.
What are road rollers?
The road roller is a heavy-duty machinery composed of a drum or drums as its primary component. A diesel engine powers the machine. The roller body uses industrial-grade tyres for mobility. Its hydraulic system is responsible for its manoeuvrability. The cab, which contains the controls and a compaction meter to measure its compaction power and efficiency, remains protected by heavy glass windows.
Road rollers vary in form and functionality. This variety allows rollers to address different paving, compaction, and construction site preparation needs of many industries.
What are the different types of road rollers?
Here are the different types of road rollers that you should know.
Vibratory Rollers
A vibratory roller is one of the most preferred rollers on the market. Its most unique feature is a vibration component that allows it to crush, flatten, and compact hard materials. These rollers can work with concrete, gravel, crushed rocks, and asphalt. These materials are known for their natural empty spaces, and using vibration allows the roller maximum compaction for a more structurally solid result.
Vibratory rollers can be single-drum or tandem rollers with a rear vibrating roller. These drums feature a thin sheet of steel layer for durability and power.
Pneumatic Tyred Rollers
Unlike the metallic sheet rollers in vibratory single-drum and double-drum compactors, pneumatic tyred rollers use rubber. Four tyres form a row of identical and closely aligned rollers.
These rubber tyres can compact and stabilise the softer cement and asphalt.
Although these compactors apply a lower ground pressure level than their vibratory counterparts, contractors prefer pneumatic tyred rollers for their even and smoother results.
Sheepsfoot or Padfoot Rollers
The pneumatic tyred and vibratory rollers have one thing in common: their drums deliver a relatively smooth surface. However, when there is a need for patterned compression points, this is where Padfoot or Sheepsfoot rollers shine.
Sheepsfoot rollers are specialty machinery specifically used for fine-grain soil and wet or silty clay. These rollers also provide deeper compaction for road work and construction.
How to Choose the Right Road Roller for Your Project
These are the different types of rollers available in the market today. If you still have questions about the uses of road rollers and which type best suits your project, you can ask your local NZ heavy machinery parts and equipment supplier. Call them today and discover what these modern machines can offer!
