In the world of construction, you don’t want to mess around with a shaky foundation. Compact rollers are the unsung heroes making sure ground surfaces are solid, smooth, and ready for action. Whether you’re smoothing out asphalt or compacting soil for a sturdy base, these machines do the heavy work – literally.
In this post, we’ll get into what these specialist bits of plant are, what they’re used for, and how they work, along with our brilliant roller hire options.
What is a compact roller?
Also known as ‘roller compactors’ or just ‘rollers’, compact rollers are heavy machinery used to compact materials such as soil, asphalt, gravel and concrete with their considerable weight. Depending on the material, this process could occur before construction, in the case of soil and sand, or after, in the case of asphalt and tarmac.
These roller machines come in different models and sizes, each suited to different jobs.
Single-drum pedestrian rollers
These rollers are pushed by hand like lawnmowers and are designed for smaller jobs, due to their manual operation. Unless you’ve got Superman himself in the construction crew, of course, because using this for hours at a time on large surface areas would be killer on the arms.
These machines are ideal for road and highway repairs, reinstatements of patches and trenches, cycle lanes, footpaths, playgrounds, and more, depending on the size of the roller. We have both 55cm single-drum rollers and 71cm single-drum rollers available to hire through the site, but we can get our hands on others should you need them. Just give us a call.
Key features:
- Compact design: Perfect for smaller spaces where bigger machines would struggle.
- User-friendly: Easy to operate with simple controls.
- Versatile applications: Ideal for patching, repairs, small paving jobs, and landscaping.
Twin drum ride-on rollers
These rollers are more heavy-duty than pedestrian compact rollers, so they are ridden and driven instead of pushed. The high seat allows the operator excellent visibility, making it an ideal machine for a wide variety of tasks.
Ride-on rollers are typically used for footways, driveways, road patching, joint rolling in road construction, earthworks, asphalt, and pre-compaction, depending on the size. You can hire several different twin drum rollers from Rockthorn to suit the job, from a more compact 80cm roller to a larger, more powerful 135cm roller.
Key features:
- Greater power and efficiency: Perfect for larger areas without sacrificing precision.
- Operator comfort: High-seating position for better visibility and reduced fatigue.
- Reliable performance: Consistent compaction results every time.
Trench rollers
Trench rollers are a little different to their much larger counterparts. These small machines are typically remote-controlled, capable of fitting into tight, confined spaces such as foundation trenches. They work best on cohesive clay and soil and enable the operator to stay safely out of the way of the work zone while the machine does its thing.
Key features:
- Remote-controlled operation: Keeps operators safe and out of the trench.
- Ideal for heavy soils: Best for clay and other cohesive materials.
- Compact size: Fits into tight spots with ease.
What is the difference between a roller and a compactor?
The difference between the two machines is a little contested in the industry. Many claim the name is interchangeable, while others say that a roller is for soil and asphalt after it has been laid, while a compactor is for compacting soil before construction.
What are rollers and compactors used for?
Nice and simple: rollers and compactors roll and compact. They’re used in various construction applications to flatten surfaces, with the purpose of either smoothing surfaces out or creating a firm base. From building roads to laying foundations, these machines ensure everything stays put for a wide variety of work.
How does a compact roller work?
Now for the nitty-gritty. Compact rollers rely on a combination of sheer weight and vibration to get the job done. The heavy drum applies a downward force that presses and squeezes materials together, reducing air gaps between soil particles or flattening layers of materials. Vibrations help materials settle more tightly, similar to giving a jar a good shake to make everything inside fit better. As the roller repeatedly passes over the surface, each run increases the level of compaction, gradually creating a dense and stable base.
The goal is always to achieve a smooth, firm finish that’s strong enough to support the next stages of construction. Different surfaces require different approaches: static rolling is used for more delicate materials while vibratory rolling is ideal for tougher terrains. However, the endgame remains the same: a rock-solid foundation that’s ready for whatever you throw at it.
Summed up, here’s how rollers work:
- Weight and force: The roller’s drum (or drums) applies downward force, squeezing materials together.
- Vibration: Many roller models vibrate, helping particles settle into a tighter formation.
- Repetition: The roller passes over the same area multiple times, resulting in gradually increased compaction with each pass.
- Smooth finish: After enough passes, you’re left with a firm, level surface that’s ready for what comes next.
Do you need a qualification to use a roller?
For both pedestrian rollers and ride-on rollers, you’ll need to be properly trained. Like all other heavy machinery, rollers and compactors are dangerous, and as some models are hand-operated on foot, they have the potential to cause serious damage. Ensure any operators have the proper training to use these machines safely.
Hire your compact rollers from Rockthorn
Rockthorn, your favourite team of plant hire suppliers, has got your back with the right roller for the job. Check out our range of compact rollers for hire online or give us a ring and tell us about your project so that we can work out the best machine for your needs.
We’ve got roller hire options for all project sizes, and can even source alternatives that might not be pictured on our site. Our friendly, knowledgeable plant hire services team is here to help you find exactly what you’re after. Call us on 0330 118 5030 today.