Creating a smooth, stable surface is an important part of roading and construction. Whatever material you’re working with, you need to know that it has been evenly distributed and compacted and you’re not going to suffer from air pockets or settling that could compromise your project.

If you’re looking for a roller it’s important to understand exactly which type is going to be best for the job. Rollers have evolved to suit a range of different applications. Let’s take a closer look at the types of roller available and how they can be used.

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Rollers are a highly effective tool for compaction in a range of situations. They’ve evolved to have features that are designed to perform with specific materials or in particular locations. Get the best results on your job by understanding exactly which type of roller is best suited to the results you want to achieve.

Read on to explore the different types of roller available for your next project.

Rollers are one of the most common types of compaction equipment available and have been doing the job for a long time. From hand powered rollers to steam rollers to diesel, electric and petrol powered rollers today. The roller has evolved to be one of the most useful compaction tools available.

Here are some of the most common types of rollers you might use on your next construction or roading project.

What is a smooth-wheeled or double drum roller?

Smooth-wheeled or double drum rollers are most commonly used with sand and gravel or crushed rock, or with base courses and on asphalt projects. Smooth-wheeled rollers have limited traction so they’re better on the flat or at least a low gradient surface. They also work better with smoother surfaces.

Smooth-wheeled rollers are very efficient machines owing to their ability to smooth aggregate in both directions. Most smooth-wheeled rollers also feature a vibrating function to help with even better compaction.

Book your smooth-wheeled roller with Allways Hire. We have a range of rollers available for your next project. Explore your options on our website or book today.

What is a rubber tyre roller or pneumatic roller?

Rubber tyre rollers or pneumatic rollers are best suited to roading and construction projects like large parking lots, subdivision streets and driveways. They are also used on chipseal projects.

The rubber tyre roller kneads the asphalt gently with a movement that creates a denser surface by driving the large particles lower and allowing the finer sands to come to the surface. The result is a better seal on the asphalt and a reduced chance of water getting in when it rains.

Hire the rubber tyre roller you need from Allways Hire. We make sure all of our equipment is fully serviced and ready to hire, before you drive it off the lot. Ask us about our delivery and collection service today.

What is a combi or combination roller?

A combination roller in action.

A combination roller brings together some of the best features of different types of roller into one: allowing you to enjoy great results when you’re looking for a smooth, strong surface.

Combination rollers bring together the compacting power of a steel vibratory roller with the finishing capabilities of a pneumatic roller. The finish these rollers achieve is of a high quality and dense, with less voids, therefore delivering a better seal. A combination roller usually achieves results in fewer passes than other rollers.

What is a sheepsfoot or pad foot roller?

The sheepsfoot roller is a great example of a tool that’s evolved to do a better job with a specific grade of material. Often used on construction, roading and dam projects, the sheepsfoot roller is best suited for the initial stages or subgrades of site compaction.

The sheepsfoot roller has a unique roller shape.

The pad foot roller uses its unique roller shape to work effectively with clay soil or heavy or cohesive types of dirt. By applying higher point pressure the roller creates a manipulative or squeezing effect. This is very effective when layering compacted soil.

Most sheepsfoot or pad foot rollers also have a variable vibration rate and pitch that helps you to achieve optimum compaction results.

Whatever job you’re working on, our team can help you find and hire the best equipment to get the results you need. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to share our expertise with your business.

What is a trench roller?

A trench roller is remote controlled for operator safety, and perfectly designed to work remotely and get the job done. Most trench rollers use a sheepsfoot drum for better traction in wetter, stickier soils. Sheepsfoot drums also make trench rollers more effective in sublayer compaction and forming a firm stable foundation for road surfaces after work is complete.

Trench rollers are used in pipeline construction, commercial and residential developments, industrial developments, infrastructure installations and for backfill work. Where compaction is required in confined or trench-like spaces, the trench roller is a safer way to achieve results.

Trench rollers can be remotely operated for user safety.

What is a grid roller?

Grid rollers are mainly used for roading applications, especially for subgrade work and layering of the subbase for road construction.

Grid rollers are designed with heavy metal bars that form a grid shape on the roller and deliver a high contact or point pressure. This special roller structure allows the grid roller to perform well with coarse soil types. Conversely grid rollers are not effective with clogging sticky clay soils.

Hire the roller you need from Allways Hire

Hire the roller you need for your next job from Allways Hire. We have a wide range of rollers available and our team of experts can help you pick the right one for your job. We make sure all of our equipment is hire ready so you won’t have to worry about reliability. You know you can count on our equipment to get the job done.

Explore our range of rollers today or contact our team to book your next job.