Different Types Construction Rollers

Apr 20, 2021 | 0 comments

Construction rollers all look the same, but don’t be fooled! There are different types of rollers that have different functions and used for different purposes. But what exactly does a construction roller do? These big (or handy) machinery are built to compact cement, soil, sand, etc. it is a given that pavement ingredients (which are soil, asphalt, sand, clay, etc) have natural spaces when not tightened (or compacted). If not compacted, this might cause disastrous effects for the establishments as it may have a tendency to sink. 

That is why construction rollers play an important part in the entirety of the project. They help smoothen out surfaces which makes it popular construction equipment. Built with steel rollers, they can surely smoothen out any type of pavement material for it to have a  perfectly flat foundation. 

Pedestrian Rollers

This type differs from other construction rollers since it is less high-tech than most. Pedestrian rollers gear more on the traditional side wherein a person must stand behind it to make it move.  In addition, this type of roller is also tagged as compact and light. Unlike huge rollers, it is ideal to be used in small construction projects such as repairing garage asphalts, house construction, driveways, etc.

Smooth Wheel Rollers

They are also known as “static rollers”. Smooth wheel rollers come in two types which are a single drum rollers and a double drum rollers. Unlike pedestrian rollers, these machineries are big in built, and are rode by construction workers. This type of machinery is more fit to be used in huge construction works.

The single drum rollers are actually built with three wheels! Two are thick rubberized wheels and the one at the front is the hydraulic roller. Heavily built in size, the single rollers are actually more compact. These are ideally used for small to big construction depending on what you are building. Common construction projects fit for single drum rollers are paving side-walk, highways, and creating building foundations.

On the other hand, double drum rollers are two wheeled construction rollers with one steel drum wheel in front and one at the back. Tagged as one of the most efficient rollers of the bunch because of its double steel wheels, they have the power to even out surface twice with just one run. If you’re looking for a quick and efficient roller that can provide quality outputs, then this one’s for you!

Pneumatic Rollers

What sets this one apart, is that it doesn’t have steel wheels. A pneumatic roller is a ride on construction equipment that consists of only rubber tires. There are four tires up front and five (or four) tires on the rear. Unlike most construction rollers that are used for compacting heavy pavement materials, this one is commonly used for compacting loose layers of soil and closely grained sands.

Grid Rollers

Built for heavy duty projects, grid rollers are ideal to be used for flattening out rough surfaces with beaten rocks. These construction rollers are usually supported by tractors or something to pull them to move. Their rollers are made from heavy steel that’s marked with grid-like patterns that’s perfect for flattening out coarse soils. Does your project have a lot of rubble that needs flattening out? Then grid rollers can get the job done!

Tamping Rollers

Also called “padfoot” or “sheepsfoot” rollers. It has similar looks with grid rollers since it also sports heavy steel with grid-like patterns. These are perfect for construction projects that have cohesive, dense soils such as heavy or silty clays. This type of construction roller does not work very well with compacting loose or grainy sands.

Vibratory Rollers

Are very much similar to Smooth Wheel Rollers. Both have steel drums at the back and at the front of the machine. However, the only difference they have is that when a vibratory roller glides through the rubble, it vibrates as it flattens and compacts the soil.  This machinery is perfect for projects with a lot of rocks and gravel that need smoothening out.

Check out Big Rentz for more in-depth knowledge about this subject! In the meant time, why not read up about the Benefits of ScreedSaver Max to LayOut Concrete?