What Do You Need To Know About Roller Compactor?

A roller compactor, or compactor roller, is a piece of heavy-duty compaction machinery that can be very commonly seen on a construction site. It is used for compaction of fine particulate materials or asphalt, creating a flat, smooth surface and getting rid of the air voids. As the first roller compactor was powered by a steam engine, in some parts of the world the roller compactors are still known as steam rollers. There are many different types of roller compactors, but it is all about these two general types: single drum roller compactor and double drum roller compactor. The single drum roller compactor features a large steel drum and a set of rear wheels/tracks for moving the compactor forward, while the double drum roller compactor features two large steel rolling drums, which in fact, move the machine.

The single drum roller compactor is used for doing easy compaction jobs, such as to help in grading an uneven surfaces of soil. Due to its incredible maneuverability on uneven surfaces, it is also useful for compacting on dams, parking stations and on other types of fields. Its wheels or tracks help the roller compactor to keep the traction and easily overcome obstacles. The only disadvantage is that the single drum roller compactor is a bit heavy and in some cases might be interrupted from rolling over obstacles. The soil that needs to be compacted by a single drum roller compactor needs to be graded before using a complete grader compactor. After this procedure, the roller compactor can flatten the soil using a static force, which is being created by the weight and motion of the roller.

The double drum roller compactor, or also known as twin drum roller compactor, has only one big difference from the previous type of roller compactor and it is the additional vibrating drum that provides a higher compaction force. The twin drum roller has no rubber wheels or tracks, but two steel drums that move the machine forward. Whenever a small sized compaction job is needed, the twin drum roller is the first option. Not known for exceptional traction on many surfaces, but for asphalt or other similar materials the twin drum roller provides a great compaction. The twin drum roller has not so good maneuverability, because of its long turning radius. Its two steel drums create a flat and smooth surface without leaving track or tire divots.

The drum on the single drum roller compactor, or the drums on the double drum roller compactor, are mounted on an axle, supported by a massive frame. Typically, each single and double drum roller compactor moves very slowly to ensure that all materials are evenly compacted and all air or water voids are eliminated. On this way, the rollers may be needed to make a few passes over the same surface. The operators should sit in the cab above their rollers for a better visibility and their sit should be swivel so they be able to operate with their machines in both directions without turning entirely.